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The great storm that shook Britain
The storm took place on the night of October 15/16 and the Middy reported on the impact in its Friday, October 23 edition.
The front page story said: “The 100mph winds brought tragedy and triumph in Mid Sussex.
“In the midst of the disaster there was joy when an Ardingly woman, who could not get to Cuckfield Hospital because of fallen trees, gave birth at home with the help of a local midwife.”
The storm also brought out the community spirit as neighbours rallied round each other to help in the midst of the crisis.
With many people without hot water free showers were on offer at the Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath, and the Sidney West Centre and the Swim Centre in Burgess Hill.
After the storm “nine cases of homelessness were reported to Mid Sussex District Council and investigated. Two were initially placed in bed and breakfast accommodation and were eventually rehomed, the rest were staying with relatives awaiting the outcome of the investigation.”
A total of 2,003 council properties were found to be damaged and 683 were considered in need of urgent repair.
The storm caused substantial damage over much of England, downing an estimated 15 million trees, including historic trees in Kew Gardens, Wakehurst Place, Nymans Garden, Hyde Park, London and Scotney Castle and most of the trees making up Chanctonbury Ring.
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Weather for Haywards Heath
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
