1987 The Great Storm
From Lacey Green History
This storm is listed in Social Snapshots 1969-2000 inc
AN EXTRATROPICAL CYCLONE. The Great Storm of 1987, has been described as an extratropical cyclone. It happened overnight from the 15th/16th October. It had not been forecast on land, although rough weather had been forecast at sea.
MAXIMUM GUST 122 MPH. Overnight throughout England, but especially in the south and even more so in the south-east, widespread structural damage was done by the wind. Sustained winds for four hours gusted up to a maximum of 122 mph (106kn.), equivalent to hurricane force.
15,000,000 TREES. An estimated 15 million trees were uprooted. These added to the destruction to property, blocking roads and railways. Whole swathes of trees in woods were brought down.
WITHOUT POWER. Several hundred thousand people were without power, not fully restored for over two weeks. It was said that more electric wires were lost in the storm than in the whole preceding decade.
CAPSIZED. Boats were driven ashore and the bulk carrier MV Sumnee capsized off Dover, Kent