The year 2020 is only two months old and we have already seen three named storms, with the resulting tipped trampolines and broken fence panels paying testament to the ferocity of the winds.

The rain has also caused rivers to break their banks and water to reach levels many had not seen before.

It would, however, appear that the residents of Petersfield and the surrounding area got off lightly when compared to the damage wreaked by another storm that occurred more than 100 years ago.

From local news reports we are able to uncover the events of the storm and the carnage it left behind.

The Hants and Sussex News began its report describing the beginning of the storm: “During the morning dull, threatening clouds gathered, and soon after two o’clock got into the valley in which the town and district lies.

“About half-past two rain began to fall and immediately after the thunderstorm burst directly over the district with terrific violence.”

The rain that fell was so dense that it affected visibility and included hailstones the size of peas.

Soon the drains of the town were overwhelmed, the result being that in some locations where manholes of the main sewers were under water, the contents of the sewer bubbled up into the roads above.

College Street between the then Luker’s Brewery, now the Red Lion car park, and The Village was under at least a foot of water, and the ground floor of the Old Drum was completely immersed, with water pouring in both at the back and front.

Even more dramatically, the subway between the two platforms at the railway station was transformed into a swimming pool and the track was submerged under the deluge.

After the storm had passed the fire brigade was engaged in pumping out the cellars of tradesmen in Chapel Street.

It was recorded that its pumping engine ran continuously at a rate of 160 gallons per minute from 5pm until 9pm.

It was not just the rain that caused damage.

A house in Rushes Road, occupied by a Mr Phillips, was struck by lightning.

Luckily the occupants were not hurt, but the strike did leave a hole in the roof which travelled down inside the house until it went out through the scullery wall.

Mrs Head from Adhurst Farm was not so lucky. Mrs Head was drawing water from a tap when lightning struck the tap and twisted it.

It is reported that Mrs Head avoided injury, but felt the shock severely.

Local wildlife and livestock were also affected by the storm.

At Kingsham Farm in Rogate three cows belonging to Mr W Lintott took shelter under an oak tree but were killed when it was struck by lightning.

A curious incident was recorded during the storm in Sheep Street.

Two large rats, thought to have been driven out of nearby cellars by rising water, ran down the street.

One of them was then caught and killed by a dog in the garden of Mr Knight’s yard.

The storm eventually passed by four o’clock in the afternoon.

The impact of the storm and its aftermath were summed up by the Hants and Sussex News: ”No one can recall the time when the town was so perfectly deluged with rain.

“But it is certain those who witnessed the downpour on Thursday afternoon and its consequences are likely to remember the visitation for many years to come.”