Great Storm of 1987

On the 15th and 16th October, 37 years ago, one of the worst storms in history struck the United Kingdom.

The Great Storm of 1987 was a powerful extra-tropical cyclone that occurred on the night of October 15th 1987. It developed as a rapidly deepening depression over the Bay of Biscay.

Whilst not a hurricane, due to it not forming in the tropics, it did produce hurricane-force winds across the UK, gusting up to 100 mph and producing widespread devastation.

The highest recorded wind speed gust was 115 mph at Shoreham on the Sussex coast. The storm is referred to as a one in 200 year event, and is reportedly the worst storm since 1703.

As a result of the damaging winds, 15 million trees were blown down, and sadly there were 18 fatalities in England.

Thousands of homes were also without power for over 24 hours. In addition, a ship was blown over in Dover, and a Channel ferry was blown ashore.

However, changes were made to improve observational coverage of the atmosphere in the wake of this devastating storm.

The quality and quantity of observations produced by ships, aircraft, buoys and satellites were increased, namely to the south and west of the UK, whilst refinements were also made to the computer models used in forecasting.

In a rather timely manner, weather models are currently hinting at a low pressure system developing this weekend, on the 20th October.

Though it has not yet been named, it could become the first storm of our season, Storm Ashley. We'll be keeping you updated on any developments.