Storm Ciara batters U.K.; 20,000 homes have no electricity

Monday, February 10, 2020

Storm Ciara made her mark across Dorset with driving rain and gusts of up to 70mph tearing into the coast. More than 20,000 homes have spent the night without electricity as the U.K. continued to reel from Storm Ciara. U.K Power Networks has reported that more than 18,500 properties across the east and south-east of England were still without power while Western Power Distribution said more than 2,800 homes were left in the dark.

The extreme weather caused traffic disruptions across the county. And the Met Office has issued another yellow warning for wind for Dorset which is valid until 7pm tonight.

Yesterday’s weather didn’t put off AFC Bournemouth fans travelling north for the Cherries away game at Sheffield United. Although, there were reported delays at the turnstiles ahead of the Premier League clash. BCP Council staff was out early yesterday morning assessing any damage.

A council spokesman said that the seafront is largely inaccessible with sand on the prom lying a foot deep in parts. All toilets are closed from Southbourne to Sandbanks. Only the hardy took on the elements at Bournemouth Beach on Sunday.

Visitor Richard Woods, who said he couldn’t resist taking a look at the seafront for what turned out to be one of the strongest storms in recent years, told the Daily Echo: “It was amazing how quickly the wind picked up. You can barely walk when one of the stronger gusts hits you, and the sand is being blown into your eyes with some force. There were even some people out jogging along the Bournemouth promenade first thing on Sunday morning.

In neighbouring Poole the Sandbanks Ferry was suspended due to the stormy conditions. The ferry company said it would only resume services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dorset Council warned people to stay away from cliffs and to be careful on beaches at high tide because of the possibility of large waves crashing in.

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