The first major storm of the season recently came hurtling to the shores of the UK. Storm Angus battered the south coast, where it did most of its damage, before moving in a northerly direction towards the Midlands, East Anglia and Wales.
Gusts of almost 100mph were recorded off the coast of Brighton, with waves crashing in at a massive five metres high. Some people even likened the force of the winds smashing into sea walls to the sound of a 747 aeroplane.
Storm Angus inevitably wreaked havoc on the country, causing widespread flooding in parts of the south, damaging walls, blowing trees over, sending scaffolding falling onto cars, and causing power cuts.
Torrential rain caused rivers to rise, with up to 40mm falling in some areas. As Storm Angus moved away from the coast and reached higher ground, it produced ice, sleet and snow – the first real wintery weather of the season for many parts.
Train services were severely disrupted, with Southeastern Railway cancelling many services. Flooded roads also led to traffic diversions.
Many flood warnings and alerts remain in place in parts of the country, with further bad weather to come.
As the first named storm of the current season, Storm Angus has certainly made its presence felt. If last year was anything to go by, it probably won’t be long before the next storm – Storm Barbara – crashes in.
Unfortunately, one fatality has already been reported in the aftermath of Storm Angus and keeping safe is becoming a pressing issue as storms become more frequent at this time of year. If you visit the coast, keep away from surging waves, which can easily sweep people out to sea, and check the tide times before you visit the coast to avoid the incoming tides.
