On February 18th 2022, the whole of the UK was met with Storm Eunice who brought howling winds and fierce gusts ranging from 70mph to 122mph recorded on Isle of Wight, shaking trees, and us, to our very core.

We all remember on Thursday February 17th an amber warning was given for the storm, foreshadowing severe weather which could potentially disrupt everyday life; schools closing down, working from home due to dangerous road conditions, power cuts, property damage and potential risk from falling trees. However, on the morning of Friday February 18th, a red warning was given to East Anglia, and we could see severe weather was coming. Precautions such as securing loose furniture and staying indoors as well as advice to not travel was given to help protect us from the storm.

There was some inconvenience as Colchester zoo was shut for the day as a consequence of the storm as well as outdoor public sport at Leisure World and the new Colchester Sports Park. To ensure safety, the Colchester Cemetery and Castle Park were closed- meaning the Colchester Castle and the Hollytree museum were also closed for the day.

So, by February 19th 2022 we saw the aftermath of the raucous and turbulent weather, with fences and furniture destroyed, roofs caved in and trees obliterating paths and roads, alongside unrelenting rain and short and sudden bursts of hail.

Near Highwoods Tesco, a large tree was up-rooted as a result of the storm, causing it to plummet into the path which connected shops such as The Oak Tree coffee house and the local newsagents to Tesco. This obstruction caused accessibility issues, especially for people in wheelchairs, and parents with pushchairs. However, by Sunday February 20th, the tree was removed.

Falling trees also posed a problem for dog-owners. Rebekah Hughes, who owns a mix breed called Einstein recalls how she was “quite scared when taking Einstein out for a walk as the wind was very strong and the trees were shaking around me.”

To prevent deaths from flying debris, the collection of garden waste was postponed and it was advised to only put rubbish and recycling out for collection if they were full, or something was used to weigh them down- to prevent them being carried by the violent winds and harming people.

Fortunately, in Colchester, there were no reported deaths however, three people in the UK were sadly killed by Storm Eunice as a result of the toppling trees and flying debris.