PHENOMENAL STORM.

Otaki Mail, 5 January 1923, Page 3

PHENOMENAL STORM.

- DELUGE IN SYDNEY,

Rnndwick was the centre of a phenomenal rainstorm shortly after 6 p.m. on December 21, says a Sydney paper, and in 20 minutes 200 points of rain fell. Many truincars were derailed as the result of the thick deposits of sand which were left on the lines.

A young woman, on alighting from a tram at Cowper Street, "Waverley, was swept off her feet by a surging torrent. She was carried into the gutter and completely submerged until someone dragged her out. The residents of Anzac Parade, particularly in the Albion Road section, believed for a time tlmt they would have to evacuate their homes. The water poured in their front doors and through to the back. The most appropriate figure was that of a young man in a surfing costume. Two motorists in this , area had to temporarily abandon their cars, and wade through water up to waists.

An Alison Road resident, unable to get access to his house by the front, climbed over three fences and completed approach by the rear. Among Coogee buildings Hooded were the Coogee Bay Hotel, the Boomerang Picture Theatre, and the ambulance .station. It was stated that the managei of the Boomerang Theatre called in the local lire brigade to pump out the water.

From every quarter conies the Statement that the roads were turned into veritable rivers. Residents of Bondi aud Rand wick say that never before had they seen such quantities of hail. Some of it was almost as big as hen-eggs—just jagged pieces of ice. Part of Cranbrook Road, Double Bay, was washed away, ami the rush of water down Birriga Road, Bcllevue Hill, was a sight to remember. The State Meteorologist, Mr Marcs, said that the thunderstorm was the product of the very extensive tropical depression which had been causing rain in Queensland and in the northern parts of New South Wales. The Randwick racecourse managers, Messrs Law and Johnson, had an anxious time while the storm was at its hoight. The water was feet deep in places, and hundreds of birds were killed by the hailstones. Thousands more, half-stunned, congregated in shelter at the back of the grandstand, and they presented a strange sight. Extensive damage was caused by the storm at Bronte. Tram, traffic was completely disoraguised. and over 18in. of sand covered the rails at the terminus. Great damage was caused to buildings in the course of erection by the sand shifting from beneath the foundations, and the streets were covered with debris of all descriptions. Bronte Park was completely submerged by over a foot of swirling water. The heavy rain played havoc with glass doors and windows, and many fences were blown down.