STORM IN BRITAIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17009, 22 July 1929, Page 7

STORM IN BRITAIN

CLIMAX TO HEAT WAVE MANY CASUALTIES REPORTED I Elec. Tel. Cop/right—United Press Awn. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, July 21. The unprecedented tropical heat, all day long, had as a climax in the southeast coast, and in London and surroundareas, one of the worst storms, in its sudden and sharp ferocity, in living memory. There were tidal waves all round the coast. Several persons were killed by lightning and three drownings are already reported, while dozens were injured and heavy damage was done in many places. ■■.The-tidal'wave at B'olkestone was accompanied by a whirlwind and caused panic amongst the thousands of holidaylTt r tlCi > r'*s A terrific flash of lightning struck the Slough dog-racing stadium and threw the spectators in all directions. Six were rendered unconscious. Many were buried under the canvas at Ashdown pageant owing to .the roof collapsing in the gale. Other casualties are reported in many districts on the South Coast. There were the strangest scenes on "the roads London wards y ester-night. Motorist* were forced to abandon long lines of cars along flooded roads. The Kew railway bridge was flooded and trains were stoppedSaturday night shoppers everywhere were drenched, and a number of buildings were struck by lightning.