Hartford, CT Storm, Aug 1877

FURIOUS STORM IN CONNECTICUT.

SOMETHING LIKE A TORNADO SWEEPS THROUGH HARTFORD--A HOUSE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

Special Dispatch to the New York Times.

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 18.--The heaviest rain storm of many years, considering its duration, occurred here this afternoon. Rain began to pour about 1 o'clock, and for over an hour poured in torrents, amid deep peals of thunder and terrific flashes of lightning. As the storm progressed the wind grew in violence, and did much damage, tearing down awnings and branches of trees. Several trees in Bushnell Park were leveled to the ground, and for a considerable distance in a straight line south from the park, and covering a space several rods wide, there was a sweeping gale, which some people who encountered it describe as having the appearance of a whirling mass of black clouds, which, as it passed, enveloped everything in darkness. This tornado tore down shrubbery in door-yards, stripped trees of their leaves, and in one instance broke off at its trunk a good-sized apple tree, having upon it many bushels of apples. Many cellars in various parts of the city were flooded. The Park River, which had been very dry, was speedily filled to its bank's edge. The lightning played so vividly, and was so constant, that it was supposed considerable damage would result from it, but the only place so far reported as having been struck is the residence of Gen. L. A. Dickinson, in the north part of the city. No one was hurt, though all the inmates in the house felt the shock and were alarmed by it. The electric fluid entered several upper rooms, and played queer pranks. One of the oldest citizens says he remembers no storm so severe in 45 years since he has lived here, though in 1869 the great rain-flood storm did more damage, but it was of much longer duration.

The New York Times, New York, NY 19 Aug 1877

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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!