TROPICAL STORM

Southland Times, Issue 20832, 22 July 1929, Page 7

TROPICAL STORM

WORST IN MEMORY

SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

SWEPT

SEVERAL KILLED BY LIGHTNING

TIDAL WAVE AND WHIRLWIND

(United Prces Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.15 p.m.) London, July 21. Unprecedented tropical heat throughout the day had as its climax on the south and southeast coast of London and surrounding areas one of the worst storms in sudden, sharp ferocity in living memory.

Tidal waves occurred all round the coast. Several were killed by lightning and three drownings have already been reported while dozens were injured. There was heavy damage in many places. The tidal wave at Folkestone was accompanied by a whirlwind which caused a panic amongst thousands of holiday-makers. A terrific flash of lightning struck the Slough dog racing stadium and threw the spectators in all directions. Six were rendered unconscious and many were buried under the canvas at the Ashdown pageant owing to the roof collapsing in the gale. Other casualties have been reported from many districts. On the south coast, the strangest scenes were witnessed on the roads towards London last evening. Motorists were forced to abandon long lines of cars on flooded roads. The Kew railway bridge was flooded and trains stopped on Saturday night. Shoppers everywhere were drenched. A number of buildings were struck by lightning—Australian Press Association.