HEAVY SNOWFALLS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 April 1950, Page 5

HEAVY SNOWFALLS IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

LONDON, April 26 (Recd. 11.50 pm). —Heavy snowfalls today covered many areas of Southern England for the second successive morning. In London up to six inches mantled the city and suburbs. Snow-plough teams battled against foot-deep falls blocking roads in several south-east counties. The snow brought down telegraph wires and tree branches, blocking a number of bus services, and ice on rails delayed t rains. j Wintry spring weather continued over Europe, with gales, sleet and snow.—Reuter. LONDON, April 25. Mid-winter snows and spasms of brilliant spring sunshine were general today throughout most of Europe. This last kick of the dying winter dislocated flying schedules, delayed shipping, and blocked roads. Enormous losses are reported in France, Italy, Holland and Spain among blossoming orchards, vineyards, and bulb fields. Reports of Europe’s weather cocktail came from Britain (blizzards, blocked Scottish roads, London had its first April snow for 15 years, and snow fell in many parts of the country, which were bathed in brilliant spring sunshine at the same time). France (Parisians had an exceptional night of rain, hail, snow, sleet and gales). Belgium (Limburg Province recorded the heaviest snowfall for six months, Brussels had a violent hour of hail, and heavy frost damaged crops and orchards), and Holland (dawn brought a fierce hailstorm after a howling night of gale).