Storm Boelo Cuts Power to Thousands Across South East
Where the Storm Hit Hardest Across the South East
If you live in parts of East Sussex, Kent or Surrey, you may have spent Sunday without lights, heating or a working kettle. Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season and arriving just a day after Storm Austen, brought heavy rain and strong winds that brought down trees and damaged power lines. The UK Power Networks website listed around 550 properties in Battle, 480 in Heathfield and 450 in Hamstreet, near Ashford, as affected. Other communities including Alfold and Cranleigh in Surrey, Bodiam in East Sussex, and Sturry and Greatstone in Kent also reported supply problems.
The disruption reached well beyond homes. In Hastings, a power cut at the Beauport Water Supply Works meant bottled water had to be delivered to vulnerable customers. Near Chessington, a fallen tree blocked the A243 Leatherhead Road close to The Shy Horse pub, a familiar landmark for drivers heading through the area. In Canterbury, a train struck a fallen tree near Chilham, blocking the line through Canterbury West. Gatwick Airport also cancelled five EasyJet arrivals, including flights from Glasgow, Belfast and the Isle of Man, though it did not confirm whether the weather was the cause.
For many residents, these places are more than names on a map. They are where people commute, shop, send children to school and rely on local services. When a single fallen tree cuts a rural lane or a water works loses power, the knock-on effects can reach far beyond the immediate area.
Who Is Responding and How It Affects Local Households
UK Power Networks, which runs the local electricity network, said teams were working to restore supplies after what it described as a number of localised power cuts across Surrey, Kent and Sussex. The Energy Networks Association reported that about 82,600 customers were without power across Great Britain by 8am, showing how widespread the damage was. Local councillors have also been keeping residents informed. Alan White, a councillor at Sevenoaks District Council, said a tree on Station Road had caused problems in the South Darenth area and that power was expected back between about 9pm and 10pm.
Southern Water stepped in to help vulnerable customers in Hastings, delivering bottled water while the supply problem was being fixed. That kind of targeted help matters most to older residents, people with medical conditions and families with very young children, who may struggle without a reliable water supply.
Travel was also affected. The AA reported fallen trees on several roads, including Kingsley Hill in Heathfield, Forsham Lane in Sutton Valence and the A2070 Willesborough Road in Ashford. Southeastern rail passengers faced delays, and drivers were advised to allow extra time and take alternative routes. For commuters and small business owners, even a short closure can mean lost hours, missed deliveries and the cost of an unplanned detour.
What Residents Should Do Now and What to Watch Next
If your power is still off, report it directly to UK Power Networks by calling 105, the free number for reporting power cuts. Have a torch, a fully charged phone and a power bank ready, and keep the fridge and freezer closed to keep food cold for longer. If you rely on medical equipment, contact your supplier and tell your network operator so you can be prioritised. Check on elderly neighbours and anyone who may be on their own. Never approach fallen cables or try to move tree debris that is tangled with power lines. Leave that to the professionals.
Storm damage can also expose homes. A fallen branch or loose tile may leave a roof open, letting rain into the loft space. If you are thinking about repairs, or planning a loft conversion or loft rebuilding after storm damage, get several written quotes. Guilford builders and other local firms can help, but check that tradespeople are insured, have good local references and are registered with a recognised trade body. Ask whether building control approval is needed, and be wary of anyone who pressures you into paying upfront or arriving unannounced after a storm.
Watch for updates from the Met Office, which warned of danger from flying debris and crashing waves and advised people to stay indoors where possible. Keep an eye on UK Power Networks and your local council for restoration times, and follow BBC Kent or BBC Radio Kent for the latest on road closures and rail disruption. If you spot a hazard or have a story to share, let us know. Local reporting depends on residents telling us what they are seeing on their own streets.
Source: Storm Boelo leaves thousands without power across South East
