Storm Boelo Brings More Wind and Rain to South East Sussex
Storm Boelo Follows Austen Across the South East
If you have been listening to the wind rattling your windows this weekend, you are not imagining it. Storm Boelo arrived barely a day after Storm Austen, bringing another round of gusty winds and heavy rain to much of the South East. A yellow rain warning remains in place across the region until 23:00 BST, and forecasters have been clear that conditions are not simply an inconvenience. The Met Office has warned that flying debris and crashing waves could present a danger to life, and it is asking people to stay indoors wherever they can. For those of us living near the coast, that advice matters most. Littlehampton seafront, which usually fills with families on a autumn weekend, has been a focal point for concern, with waves pushing hard against the promenade and loose objects becoming a real hazard. Further west, the South Downs has been battered too. The bad weather has also reached the region’s sporting calendar. Saturday’s Beachy Head Marathon was pulled forward so runners could finish before the worst of the rain and wind arrived. Anyone who has run or walked those chalk paths knows how exposed they are, and organisers clearly made the right call. Storm Boelo may be shorter-lived than its predecessor, but for now, treat the weather with respect and check local updates before heading out.
Local Groups and Organisers Adapt to the Weather
Plans across the area have been reshaped at short notice, and the people behind them are working hard to keep communities together. Littlehampton Bonfire Society had been due to hold its event on Saturday, but it was postponed to Sunday and scaled down. The society’s planned line-up still includes a family funfair, food vendors, the lighting of the bonfire and its Grand Fireworks Spectacular. Sue Baker from the society said its leaders had pulled out some magic to make it happen, and for families who had been looking forward to the evening, that news will come as a relief. Not every community has been so lucky. Bonfire events in Horsham, Ninfield and Ashurst Wood were called off in recent days because of the poor forecast. Those cancellations hit volunteers hardest, as many of these groups rely on months of fundraising and planning, and a single weather decision can wipe out much of their income for the year. Meanwhile, the utilities sector has been under pressure. Southern Water said a power cut at its Lodsworth Water Supply Works on Friday evening significantly affected nearby reservoir levels, and 2,020 properties experienced a supply interruption. A generator was brought in, and by Saturday morning reservoir levels were recovering and approaching 50 per cent capacity. The company said its teams had worked around the clock, and affected customers have now had their supplies restored.
What Residents Should Know and Do Next
For most of us, the practical questions are simple. Is my power on, is my water running, and is my home safe? UK Power Networks has said that strong winds and heavy rain have affected supplies in places including Chessington, Henfield, Hurstpierpoint, East Grinstead, Canterbury, Sittingbourne and Meopham. Its engineers are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, so if you are still without electricity, report the fault to the network operator and keep your contact details up to date. Before the storm passes, secure garden furniture, bins, trampolines and anything else that could become airborne. Check on elderly neighbours and anyone who relies on medical equipment that needs power. Once conditions ease, look out for loose roof tiles, damaged fences and blocked gutters. Storm damage to roofs can quickly become costly if water gets into the loft space, which is why anyone with a loft conversion should inspect ceilings and insulation for signs of leaks. If the damage is serious, a qualified roofer or local Guildford builders can assess whether repairs or a wider loft rebuilding project are needed. Ask for written quotes, check credentials, and speak to your insurer early. Over the coming days, keep an eye on BBC Sussex updates, particularly the Sunday bonfire event and any further weather warnings, and share your own storm photos or concerns with the team at [email protected].
Source: Storm Boelo brings more wind and rain to the South East
