Violent Thunderstorm In Pahiatua District

Chronicle (Levin), 8 January 1949, Page 6

Violent Thunderstorm In Pahiatua District

Press Association)

(Per

PAHIATUA, Jan. 7. The severest electrical storm in the memory of tlre oldest residents of Pahiatua was exerienced this aftemoon at 1.30 p. 111. when thunder, described as "as loud as artillery," exploded over the town and was followed by vivid lightning aud torrential rain. Iu a matter df niinutes tlie rivers and crocks round tho tovvii were svvollen and tliere was floodihg in tlie main street. I The rain lasted for about an liour and tliere were several very lieavy showers latcr in the afternoon. However, 110 consideijable damage had been reported by tonight, ailthough several couiitry roads yerC believod to have been blocked by slips. On the Ngawapurua side of Woodville there was a great deal of water lying near the reformed part of tlie main road and the two bridges between Woodville and the JManawatu Gurge limeworks were being watched by P.W.D. men. Some damage had occurred in this locality tliougli tlie roads were still passable. The Gorge Road was not blocked, bui it was necessary for motorists to exorcise extreme care owing to tlie large amount of debris which ha\l been brought down. When darkness fell the storm appoared to have abated and* the water levels were receding.