Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-07-13
SEVERE STORM.

nerceet STORMS that NAB pnooou oNot 1un
city 10 many years. Fortunately no on'
was Injured, nor Was the damage serious
in any instance, although while the
storm was at its height considerable
anxiety was manifest, as the disturbance
brought to the minds of many the toraa'
do of 1896.
1t WAS apparent early yesterday morn
ing that the hot wave predicted last
week had arrived on time, and that the
city and neighbOrhoOd was destined 10
sweIter for time, at least As the day
advanced the mercury in the thermom-
eter rose higher and higher and early 10
the afternoon the temperature reached
the hundred mark.
Later the western heavens became OBJ
secured aud by six O'Clock st)tm had
settled over the city. There WAS no in
dicstion, however, that hurricane was
accompanying it, and most people, rea-
LIKING the fact that drought had pre-
vailed hereabouts for some time, rejoiced
to see that q shower was coming. A
refreshing wind was blowing and the
fash of lightning and the sound OF
thunder were being welcomed when the
rain began t. fall. The wind IN the
meant me increased in velocity until 1t
assumed hurricane proportions. Rain
mingled with some hail was bsing
whirled in hor zont,l sbest', limbs OF
trees we're sent flying In the air, bricks
were blown from chimneys, signs were
knocked down, electric wires Frustrated
and roofs damaged.
There was great CONSERVATION on the
river at the time. Most of the naplhs
launches and other pleasure boats had
been rescued either at docks at this port
or on the opposite shore Some, how
ever, we're caught out in the river and
the occupants had thrilling experiences.
A sail boat was capsizsd near Fort
Foote, but the occupants were rescued.
The high wind tore number of small
boats from their mOorings at this city
aod blew them out in the river or on
che Msrylsnd shores. A large sand
scow was driven across the river. 1t
grounded on the fats where it remained
until today.
The blow WAS comparatively brief,
and in a short time the fury OF the wind
had ceased, although the rain continued
to fall. while tbs heavens we're kept
aelow with lightning and the sound OF
thunder was constant.
By this time limbs Of trees HAD been
scattered through every street In the
CITY. while electric railway, electric light
and telephone and telegraph wires were
prostrated. Trees In different parts OF
the city had been uprooted, and In some
instances buildings had been damaged.
The roof of house occupied by colored
people on Franklin street was lifted
from the building. The frame shed at
Spriug Park, at the extreme western end
of King street, was overturned and the
root of the Southern Railway round house
damaged.
During the prevalence Of the storm
considerable anxiety was caused le't IRE
should break out from crossed electric
wires, and the fremen had everything
in readiness to respond to any emer-
qency. Two fires did occur, but they
were subdued before any material dam
age resulted. The roof of W. 2. Woolls
aud Sons store, southwest corner oil
Wolfe and Royal streets, caught fire,
presumably from an electric wire. An
extinguisher from Mr.. F. l.. EntWlsle'S
store soon subdued the flames. Another
small blaze was discovered in store
conducted by Mr.. Alex, Bowie, on south
Washington street. 1t, too, was soon
subdued.
The operation OF electric trains In this
city Was impeded for some time as the
result of the storm. 10 many cases wires
wers down and trees thrown across the
track. A tree on south Royal street IN
falling broke down the railway wires.
I1 some cases large limbs, partially
br ,kei.. hung over the rails aud OBJ
sructed the passage of trsns. The most
serious conditions prevailed on south
ROYAL street, and trains from the Mount
Vernon division were kept south Of
Wilkes for several hours until the track
was cleared.
Nearly hundred telephones were put
MT of service by the storm, and although
linemeu went to work rs soon as posi-
bic many we're not placed in working
order until today.
During the storm yesterday the 'ele'
graphic wires at Fort Hunt were consid'
erably damaged, and communication
with Washington WAS suspended until
this morning, when a corps of men un'
der Electrician Single on put the line II
order. -.
The largest tree In this city, which II
nn the north side of Queen street, neal
Fsirfsx, was blown down by the storm
yesterday.
About 10 electric light poles In the
Potomac yards, near this city, were felled
By the storm yett ,rdsy evening.
As result of the storm, a portion oil
the city was 10 darkness last night as
result Of damage to poles and wires
For awhile it was dangerous on the
streets, owing to crossed electric an'
telephone wires.
Lightning continued to fash ant
thunder was heard until about 3 o'clocI
81 night.
The report, circulated this morning
20 the effect that a man and woman
had been drowned by the cspslzing oil
power boat, and that a man had beef
drowned near the shipysrd were ground
less.
The storm was equally as severe II
Fairfax and Alexandria counties as II
this city, and many trees were pros
traled. At Luna Park the fencing a
Ghe lagoon was blown down.