Heavy Rains In N.S.W.

Chronicle (Levin), 11 January 1949, Page 5

Heavy Rains In N.S.W.

(N.Z.P.*.-

-Reuter*

Covvriahtj

Received Monday, 7 p.m. SYDNEY, Jan. 10. Whipped by a south-easterly wind which reached 56 /miles an hour shortly before noon, drenching rain caused widespread damage and dislocated air, train, tram, ferry and telephone services in Sydney and suburbs today. At the Weather Bureau 575 points of rain was recorded in the 24 hours ending 9 a.m. today ^-the highest 24hour fall in nine years. In the suburbs many readings during the weekend exceeded nine inches of rain. It is helieved that the major xainfalls have ceased but intermittent showers eontinue. Substantial rains are likely in the coastal and river areas. A.cyclonic depression is now near Kempsey and is expected to move eastward towards Lord Howe Island. Swirling waters from the Narrabeen Lakes broke out across the spit Separating the lakes , from the sea and drove dozens of families frotfi the Narrahgen camping area. Tents were destroyed hy boats and dehris washed across from the lakes and by the gale. In other suburbs houses were unroofed and families were marooned by rising water. At Undercliffe, the Cooks River overflowed and buried the main street under three feet of water, immobilising trams and motor vehicles. A landslide near the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney, delayed four trains. After being closed for 30 hours. Mascot aerodrome was opened again at noon.