Lightning Strikes Chimney on House

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 461, 17 September 1928, Page 1

Lightning Strikes Chimney on House

HEAVY STORM IN CITY HIGH SEAS RUNNING During the thunderstorm last night and this morning the chimney of a house owned by Mr. Clark, in Marama Terrace. Birkenhead, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Hemerwas struck by lightning. The household was awakened about two o’clock this morning by a crash and by the cries of a nine-year-old nephew. No one realised that the house had been struck until later when a heap of debris was seen in the dining room grate. It was found that the top of the chimney had been knocked off and that a hole had been made through the tiles on the roof. The storm was one of the most severe that has struck Auckland for some time. All last evening and last night heavy rain fell at intervals, particularly during the early hours of the morning, and there were frequent flashes of lightning and claps of thunder. Yesterday and last night a strong westerly blew, so that at the height of the gale, between five and seven o’clock last evening, there was a heavy sea running in the harbour. Ferry boats had rough crossings, the decks and passengers being drenched with spray, and launches had difficulty in getting over.

After the thunderstorm died away this morning the wind went down a little, but the weather continued squally and heavy showers fell at intervals.