Storm Ciaran

• Extratropical cyclone


  A low pressure system where cold and warm air meet
• Extratropical cyclone hit the UK

  1st November 2023
• Cyclone Genesis


  Low pressure system where cold and warm air meet
• Jet stream transported cold air mass from the Arctic to the UK


  Collided with a warm air mass
• Lowest pressure ever recorded - 953 over Plymouth
• Extratropical cyclone


  • Affected England, Wales and the channel islands Jersey and Guernsey
  • Strong winds and rainfall of 30-40 mm in England
  • The channel island experienced 100 mph winds, thunderstorms and a tornado
• Severe floods and evacuation of caravan sites in Wales
• 40 people evacuated in Jersey after 102 mph winds
• 70 people evacuated in Dorset
• 300 schools close in Southern England
• 150,000 homes left without power
• Trains, bus and flight disruption
• The AA had to rescue 84 people in floods
• Many roads closed and people were not advised to travel until the 4th November
• Businesses damaged due to floods and power outages
• Infrastructure such as railways and roads destroyed
• Damage to crops, live stock and farmland causing lower yields, economic losses and lower food supplies
• Polluted water supplies and displaced wildlife
• West Bay cliff collapses
• Damaged forests and habitats
• Soil erosion increases nitrate levels in fields
• Met Office issues early warnings to give people time to prepare
• 200 flood warnings were issues and 86 other expected floods, but none severe
• Temporary flood defences placed at Exeter Quay and West Bay
• Local authorities and emergency services put in place plans to respond to the storm
• These plans mitigated the impacts, but the storm was still severe and caused significant damage