The Effects of Storm Eunice

Dubbed as one of the worst storms “in a generation”, Storm Eunice caused power cuts, forced schools to close, blew over large trees, disrupted travelling, and caused major traffic due to accidents, fallen lorries and trees on roads. A rare red weather warning was brough in places such as Porthcawl, Aberystwyth and Holyhead, due to being surrounded by the coast with large sea surges. Furthermore, the Met Office issued an amber warning, which means there is a potential danger to life, that was placed across the Midlands, southern England, parts of northern England, and all of Wales. This was necessary as unfortunately, people have been getting injured, taken to hospital, and a total of three people died due to Storm Eunice; read on for more news on the effects of the storm and what to expect of the new Storm Franklin.

Sadly, three people passed away due to the intensity of the Storm Eunice; a woman in her 30s died in north London, a man in his 50s died in Merseyside, and a man in his 20s died in Hampshire. Several other people have been injured due to fallen trees and flying debris due to the strong winds, as well as buildings and fences. It is reported by the Environment Secretary George Eustice that about 200,000 homes lost power at home in the UK.

There have been warnings issued about the widespread of travel disruptions, and everyone are advised against unnecessary travelling, especially with hundreds of trains and flights being cancelled even today.

One of the biggest signs of the severity of Storm Eunice, was when the O2 Arena’s roof was ripped off. This is located in Greenwich, southeast of London, where the storm caused extensive damage to one of London’s biggest landmarks. Around 1,000 people were evacuated immediately, and luckily, no one was injured.

The damage caused makes one realise that keeping an emergency preparedness kit is absolutely essential, therefore, I have found a list of the most important things to keep in an emergency kit, as created by the Met Office Official:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

For more information on being prepared for emergency situations, disasters, and life-threatening situations, then read more about supplies at https://www.ready.gov/kit and click HERE for the Red Cross Emergency Kit advice.