COLD SNAP IN AMERICA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 19 November 1924, Page 9

COLD SNAP IN AMERICA.

Fierce Gales and Low Temperature.

SEVERAL DEATHS FROM EXPOSURE.

By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 18 t 9.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 18. A sudden cold wave throughout tho country with 70-mile-an-hour gales followed a rainless spell, causing - eight deaths from exposure, six of which were iu New York, where tho within twelve hours, was down to 1* degrees above zero, representing a total drop of 30 degrees. ' Other coastal points reports declines exceeding 40 degrees. Gales "everywhere aggravated the difficulties of transportation, notably on the Great Lakes, where traffic was virtually at a standstill, while the forest fire hazards increased, because ot the difficulty in controlling the flames. The Weather Bureau declares that yesterday was the coldest November l7th ever recorded. The ferries throughout the country halted, since the small craft, were unable to maintain their direction in the treacherous wind. The Federal coastguards near New York rescued eleven men, whose small craft had been whipped seaward. Meanwhile the Rum Row, which had been supplying holiday demands, is reported to have been swept to bits. Main’ of the liquor vessels were crippled,’, but there is hope that they will be able to outlast tho gale, after which they will seek an unguarded harbour to effect repairs.

The recent lack of rain brought deceptively jvarm weather, but there was an unexpected drop, in the mercury, and 'within two hours came & change from autumn to winter. Central New York and ’ the '• rural sections of the country, saw snow flurries, swiftly followed by sleety rain. Northern winds swept the country side, overturning farm houses, and uprooting trees. Many farmers, not.prepared for cold, narrowly escaped freezing to death during sleep. The sudden cold aggravated seasonal misery among the poor in the cities. The municipal police found dozens adeep in the park benches in a; semiconscious condition as the result of the cold. Those were successfully treated at hospitals.

Pedestrians were constantly in dahger in the streets, through the wind ripping out numerous display windows, small signs and upsetting massive hoardings. ...