November 1930

[Kentish Man]

On reading an old edition of the Observer's book of weather (1955) the author refers to one of the most remarkable thunderstorms of the 20th century that "plunged the town into practically complete darkness at Midday, the wind rose to near hurricane force, there was torrential rain with vivid thunder and continual lightning and a strange roaring sound was heard rushing through the village. Wthin two minutes extensive damage was done".

Unfortunately there was no exact date given for this extraordinary event. Does anyone have any further information?

[Weather-history]

2nd November 1930: A squall line crossed southern parts of the UK

Apparently a barograph at Shoeburyness recorded an instantaneous drop and recovery of 4.5mbs as the squall line passed through. Rain gauges were overturned by the squally winds where a gust of 76mph was recorded.

Edited November 19, 2008 by Mr_Data

[Kentish Man]

Thanks Mr Data.

According to the same book hurricane force on the Beaufort Scale is anything above 75mph (Force 12) so I guess this just qualifies. I suppose the sustained thunder and lightning is the most unusual thing for November - presumably the very sudden barometric changes were a factor behind this.