STORMS IN BRITAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22518, 8 September 1936, Page 9

STORMS IN BRITAIN

LIGHTNING DISABLES CAR I MINISTER'S LUCKY ESCAPE FATALITIES IN LONDON PARK (Received September 7, W. 5 p.m.) British Wireless RUGBY, Sept. 6 While a storm was in progress yesterday near Dingwall, Scotland, the Dominions Secretary, Sir. Mac Donald, and the driver of a c;ir in which he was travelling, were temporarily blinded by a flash of lightning which put the ignition of the car out of order and caused a dangerous skid. Skilful handling prevented the car from overturning and the Minister and his chauffeur were able to effect repairs. A severe storm raged over Central London for several hours this afternoon. Two visitors to London, who were sheltering under a tree in St. James' Park, near Buckingham Palace, were struck by lightning and killed. Three freak storms struck certain areas in the Midlands and Northern England on Friday. Near Lichfield, wind of great force accompanied by very heavy rain uprooted trees and dislodged the roofs of several houses. More than 50 trees fell across the main road, necessitating the diversion 'of traffic until the road could be cleared. In Manchester slates were torn from roofs. .