TORNADO REACHES FLORIDA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 221, 18 September 1928, Page 7

TORNADO REACHES FLORIDA

HEAVY DAMAGE FEARED Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright ] £ Australian Press Assn. ] Received foept. 17, 5.5 p.m. NEW YORK, foept- 16. A message from Jacksonville states that the gravest anxiety is prevailing in Florida to-night, as a hum •aue, probably unprecedented in intensity, is flinging itseif against tue east coast wxtn destructive furyfear has been nrougnt to residents of the coast towns and cities by the territic winds, sweeping rains and tremendous seas. Before communications with Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, which are the centre of the storm, went out, a yu-mile-an-hour wind was reported, and there were waves 40 feet high breaking over the boulevards. Much damage had already been done to trees and smaller homes. Automobiles were blocking the roads as the people were trying to flee from the danger zones. Messages received in Boston state that Miami is also suffering, and people are packing into storm-proof houses. No word is obtainable from the Bahamas, co it is felt that the hurricane has destroyed the radio stations there. The naval station at Jupiter Inlet* (Florida) was destroyed. No lives are yet reported lost, but no communications remain where the hur-

ricane was most severe. At Rockford the ‘loath total is now nine, and five more bodies are believed to have been located. Florida reports are most vague, but Red Cross units are leaving Washington for the south. The vice-Prcsidential nominee, Mr Rob nson. who .s in Florida, is aiding in the relief work.