What Was the Great Storm of 1987
The Great Storm of 1987 was a severe extratropical cyclone that struck southern England and northern France on the night of 15–16 October 1987. It was notable for its rapid intensification and for not being officially predicted to be so severe by the UK weather forecasters of the time. The storm is remembered for the widespread damage it caused, including to trees, buildings, and infrastructure, but no direct deaths in England. It reshaped public understanding of wind risk in southern Britain and prompted lasting changes in forecasting, warnings, and forest management.
Meteorological Development and Forecasting
Surface Analysis and Explosive Intensification
On 14 October 1987, a weak depression sat over the Bay of Biscay. During the night, a sting jet—a narrow stream of descending air within the mid-latitude cyclone—intensified the pressure drop, leading to a very sharp fall in surface pressure. The storm deepened rapidly to an estimated 965 hPa or lower, bringing violent winds to southern England. In the morning of 16 October, many areas recorded gusts above 100 mph (160 km/h), with a peak gust of 100 mph recorded at Pointe Du Roc in Normandy, France, and unofficial reports of higher gusts in southern England.
Forecast Challenges and Public Warnings
Forecasters at the Met Office had indicated strong winds were possible, but they did not anticipate the severity and extent of the storm. The lack of a clear signal for explosive cyclogenesis contributed to warnings that were less urgent than conditions that unfolded. This mismatch between forecast and reality highlighted limitations in predicting sting jets and rapid cyclogenesis at the time. In the aftermath, improvements were made to numerical weather prediction models, data assimilation, and the communication of severe weather warnings.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date and Time | 15–16 October 1987, night to early morning | Historical meteorological records |
| Minimum Central Pressure | Estimated below 965 hPa | Reanalysis and published studies |
| Peak Recorded Gust | 100 mph (160 km/h) at Pointe Du Roc, Normandy | Official measurements |
| UK Forecast Assessment | Warnings were issued but did not fully convey severity | Official post-storm reviews |
Impacts Across the Affected Regions
The primary impacts were concentrated in southern England and northern France. In England, areas including Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and Greater London experienced widespread wind damage. Millions of trees were snapped or uprooted, blocking roads and damaging properties. Power lines were brought down, leaving many thousands of homes without electricity for several days. Transport networks were disrupted, with rail and road services suspended. In France, coastal areas saw strong gusts and damage, particularly in Normandy and Brittany.
Immediate Consequences and Response
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services dealt with hazards from falling trees and debris. Utilities worked to restore power and repair infrastructure. Local authorities coordinated clearing operations. While no direct storm-related deaths were recorded in England, the event exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the need for improved communication. Insurance claims surged, reflecting the scale of property and timber damage.
Long-Term Changes and Lessons Learned
The Great Storm of 1987 prompted significant changes in how the UK and France approach severe weather. Meteorological services invested in better detection and forecasting of sting jets and rapid cyclogenesis. Warning systems were updated to more clearly communicate the likelihood and severity of windstorms. Forestry practices were reviewed, with attention to species choice, tree density, and resilience to high winds. The storm became a benchmark case for risk communication and emergency preparedness.
Key Takeaways for Risk Management
- Rapidly deepening cyclones can produce winds that are difficult to forecast precisely.
- Effective warnings require both technical forecasting improvements and clear public communication.
- Infrastructure resilience, especially for power networks and transport, benefits from storm-hardening measures.
- Natural environments, including forests, need management strategies that account for windthrow risk.
Comparison With Other UK Windstorms
Placing the Great Storm of 1987 in context helps underline its distinct characteristics. Unlike some later storms that were extensively forecast and tracked, the 1987 event is noted for its forecast uncertainty. Later storms, such as the impacts of storms in subsequent decades, benefited from advances in modeling, satellite data, and public alert systems. The table below highlights key attributes of notable UK windstorms for comparison.
| Storm | Date | Notable Impacts | Forecast Confidence at Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Storm of 1987 | 15–16 October 1987 | Widespread tree damage, power cuts, transport disruption | Limited; severity under-forecast |
| Storm Daria (2022) | 19–20 December 2022 | Significant insured losses, transport disruption | High; well forecast and warned |
| Storm Eunice (2022) | 14–15 February 2022 | Record gusts, large-scale disruption, strong public warnings | High; clear and timely warnings issued |
Evergreen Understanding and Risk Perspective
From a long-term perspective, the Great Storm of 1987 remains a critical case study in meteorology, risk communication, and infrastructure resilience. It illustrates the challenges of forecasting rapidly evolving mid-latitude cyclones and the consequences when extreme winds occur with lower predictability than expected. The storm reinforced the value of continuous improvements in modeling, satellite observation, and public warning clarity. It also emphasized the importance of designing landscapes and infrastructure to withstand episodic severe wind events, not just those that are well forecast.
For researchers, emergency planners, and the public, the storm serves as a reference point for understanding wind risk in southern Britain. Subsequent advances in sting jet science, ensemble forecasting, and clearer warning protocols have reduced the likelihood of a similar mismatch between forecast and observed severity. Nonetheless, the essential vulnerabilities in natural and built environments remain, underscoring the need for ongoing adaptation and preparedness.