Major Incident Declared in South England Amid Storm Ciaran Warnings

Vehicles drive through a flooded road in Yapton, West Sussex, as Storm Ciaran brings high winds and heavy rain along the south coast of England on Nov. 2, 2023. Joe Sene/PA Wire

A major incident has been declared in areas of south England, as strong winds and rain from Storm Ciaran are battering the south coast.

The Met Office has amber and yellow warnings in force. This means the storm could cause travel disruption, road and rail closures, power cuts and a risk to life and property.

Pressure on local services is expected in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, where a “major incident” status has been declared from midnight on Wednesday.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum warned of a risk of damage to the buildings, falling trees, and an ongoing risk of flooding.

Very strong winds are expected along southern coastal areas of England in particular, with possible gusts of 70 to 80mph, the Met Office has warned.

Heavy rain that started from Wednesday evening in the south west will spread to midlands and parts of the north west and the north east into Thursday.

The British Isles and Channel Islands are expected to be significantly affected by the severe weather conditions. Hundreds of school closures have been announced across the south, while commuters have been advised to avoid non-essential journeys.

Flood Warnings

The Environment Agency has warned of impact, particularly between Dorset and East Sussex. Flood warnings are in place, with mobile barriers being installed in Exeter and already in place along the River Severn.

Storm Ciaran will bring large waves and onshore gales along parts of the south coast on Thursday. The Environment Agency has urged the public to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades.

People have been advised against driving through flood water.

“Just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car,” said the Agency.

Two lorries on the A20 near Dover, Kent, as Storm Ciaran brings high winds and heavy rain along the south coast of England on Nov. 2, 2023. Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Emergency teams have been on the ground clearing and blocking debris from screen and watercourses to minimise the impact on residents of coastal areas.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod, advised people, who want to “experience extreme weather” against going close to the coast.

“If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself—too many people drown trying to save others,” Mr. Macleod advised.

In Jersey, the largest island of the Chanel Islands, 35 people have been moved to hotel accommodation and three taken to hospital after their homes were damaged by the storm

The government of Jersey announced on Thursday the closure of all government schools and advised the islanders to stay at home.

Jersey Fire and Rescue Services reported attending at least 53 calls, as wind speed increased, reaching up to 104mph.

Joint-Sixth Wettest October

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation has warned of a high tornado risk across South Wales to London.

The Cornwall Council has advised the residents to check on their elderly or vulnerable neighbours, as the area faces multiple flood warnings.

The Orwell Bridge in Suffolk was shut over the yellow warning for strong winds on Wednesday and reopened on Thursday, when wind speeds were deemed to have dropped at a safe level.

DFDS Seaways, operating passenger and freight services across northern Europe, has announced the closure of the sailings due to extreme weather. This includes all sailings between Dover and France.

The Port of Dover Police advised the public to avoid Dover beaches, piers and promenade for their safety and the safety of first responders.

Storm Ciaran comes on the back of the joint-sixth wettest October on record for the UK.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Brent Walker, said that the weather over the weekend will continue to be unsettled, with more showers and rain at times.