Kentish Express Ashford & District
Eunice brings back memories of ‘87
Storm Eunice on Friday would have brought back memories for many in Ashford of the Great Storm in 1987, when winds reached 110mph and caused devastation across Kent.
The ‘hurricane’ hit most of the south of England and northern France in the early hours of Friday, October 16, causing loss of life, widespread chaos and extensive damage.
Eighteen people were killed including four people in Kent - in what was the worst storm since 1903.
Fifteen million trees were brought down, roads were blocked and many railway lines had to be closed because of wrecked power lines.
BBC weather presenter Michael Fish is forever linked to the Great Storm because of a notorious lunchtime broadcast on Thursday, October 15.
The meteorologist stated: “Earlier on today apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she’d heard there was a hurricane on the way. Well, if you’re watching, don’t worry, there isn’t.”
The clip is still played regularly, invariably followed by footage of the ensuing devastation. It even featured in the opening ceremony to the 2012 Olympics in London.
But Mr Fish claims his remarks actually referred to Florida and were a link to a news story about devastation in the Caribbean that had just been broadcast.
He said: “The phone call was a member of staff reassuring his mother just before she set off there on holiday. I wish I had a penny for each time that clip has been broadcast, I’d be a millionaire!”
In 1987, Margaret Thatcher had been Prime Minister for eight years, having won her third general election as Conservative leader in June.
Football league champions were Everton while Coventry won the FA Cup that year.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone was won by Nigel Mansell.
Films showing in British cinemas at the time of the storm included Fatal Attraction and Dirty Dancing.
The number one single was You Win Again by The Bee Gees.