STORM IN ENGLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1929, Page 5

STORM IN ENGLAND

MUCH DAMAGE DONE

,Uuited Press Associa^on—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright}. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 21. Unprecedented tropical heat daylong had as a climax on the south-south-east coast and London surrounding areas, one of the worst storms, in sudden, sharp ferocity, of living memory. There were tidal waves all round the coast. Several persons were killed by lightning and three drownings are already reported. Dozens were injured and heavy damage was done in many places.

Tidal waves at Folkestone, accompanied by a whirlwind caused a panic, among thousands of holidaymakers. A terrific flash of lighting struck Slough dog-racing stadium and threw the spectators in all directions.

Six were unconscious and many buried under canvas at Ashdown pageant owing to the roof collapsing in the gale. Other casualties are reported in many districts of the south coast. There were the strangest scenes .on the roads Lomlonwards, last night. .Motorists were forced to abandon long lines of cars on flooded roads. Kew railway bridge was flooded and trains were stopped on Saturday night. Shoppers everywhere were drenched. A number of buildings were.struck by lightning. .