SEVERE THUNDERSTORM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 10, 26 March 1947, Page 5

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM

WHAKATANE SHAKEN tff y POWER SUPPLY DISLOCATED One of the most prolonged thunderstorms experienced in these parts for many years occurred yesterday when as a result of the intensive lightning practically every power circuit < on the Rangitaiki Plains . was cut off temporarily until repairs were effected. The storm which had been raging all day commenced at 8.30 a.m. and continued with fitful intensity until twelve hours later when almost directly over the town a fierce lightning display followed by tremendous thunder claps rocked the whole area. The lightning display was the most vivid seen for years and from Hillcrest could be seen to momentarily light up the whole countryside outlining Whale and White Islands as under the strongest sunlight. The thunder rolling in- from the general nor-easterly direction of the storm grew in intensity during the black-out period between 7 and 8 p.m. and the heavy reverberations caused considerable alarm in many quarters. Each clap was followed by increasingly heavy showers of rain. As a result of the storm the outside staff of the Power Board had a busy time of it all yesterday and were out again until the early hours last night.

The rain which fell in Whakatane for the 24 hours ended at 9 a.m. this morning measured 2.70 inches which brings the total fall in the past five days up to 4.30.