Forecasters Had No ‘Inkling’ That Severe Weather Was Coming Their Way. It Was the Worst Storm to Hit in Nearly 300 Years

Looking back at the disastrous 1987 Great Storm in the United Kingdom that killed 18

Nearly four decades ago, on October 15, 1987, the Great Storm of 1987 wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom, causing around one billion pounds in damage to the affected regions. The storm, considered the worst to hit England since the Great Storm of 1703, hit southern England with wind gusts reaching peaks of 100 mph, knocking down an estimated 15 million trees by the time it passed one day later, according to the Met Office, the U.K.’s national meteorological service.

The impact of the storm was devastating, resulting in the loss of 18 lives and leaving thousands of customers without power for more than a day. The damage was extensive, with more than a billion pounds worth of destruction, equivalent to over $1.3 billion in today’s exchange rate, as reported by The New York Times.

Initially, forecasters had a difficult time predicting the severity of the storm. They believed and conveyed that heavy rain would be the primary concern, with no major warnings issued for residents until it was too late. By the end of the storm, the entire southeastern part of England was left without power, with widespread devastation across the region, as noted by the Times.

The level of destruction was unimaginable, with many areas left completely altered. Roofs were blown off, cars were flipped over, windows shattered, and fences toppled. The aftermath of the storm was likened to a bomb hitting some locations, with reports of houses collapsing and villages looking like war zones.

Meteorologists at the time, including Michael Fish, faced criticism for failing to predict the storm accurately. Fish, who reassured viewers on a broadcast that there was no hurricane on the way, later took the blame for the missed forecast. Despite the technological limitations of that era, the storm’s unexpected track caught many off guard, leading to tragic consequences.

The Great Storm of 1987 remains a significant event in U.K. history, prompting a government inquiry and sparking discussions about the reliability of meteorological forecasts. While lessons were learned from the catastrophic event, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive forces of nature that can impact communities.

In conclusion, the memories of the Great Storm of 1987 continue to linger in the minds of those who experienced its wrath. The lessons learned from this disaster have undoubtedly shaped how meteorologists approach severe weather forecasting today, highlighting the importance of preparedness and constant vigilance in the face of natural calamities. This historic event serves as a somber reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of communities in the aftermath of tragedy.