Were preparations for Storm Ciaran just right or too much? Vote in our poll
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It is the question many of our readers are asking after the storm passed by with some flooding and road closures – but not to the scale of which forecasters were predicting, given an amber ‘risk to life’ warning for wind was issued by the Met Office and a major incident was declared.
Scores of people came out in support of the council and emergency services, who they felt did a sterling job at making sure the worst eventualities were prepared for.
READ MORE: Storm Ciarán hits Southampton and Hampshire – live updates
But others felt the response, particularly the closure of the city’s schools, was not proportionate – albeit, with the benefit of hindsight. A storm in a teacup, you could say.
It goes without saying that all involved had the best intentions of Southampton at heart, but can lessons be learned from Storm Ciaran?
We thought we would give our readers the chance to have their say in the poll below.
In preparation for the storm finding land on Wednesday evening, schools in Southampton but also across the county decided to close, the Itchen bridge was shut, and sandbags were placed outside homes that were deemed a flood risk.
While the impact on Southampton was relatively light, leading to the Itchen Bridge being reopened on Thursday morning, the New Forest and Totton saw the worst of the weather, with flooding, closed roads and even a fallen tree causing havoc at Southampton Football Club’s Staplewood training complex.
Following the storm, Echo readers have been sharing their opinions on social media about the preparations for Storm Ciaran.
READ MORE: Storm Ciarán hits Southampton and Hampshire – live updates
“A slightly more northerly track would’ve been so different and then everyone would complain if they hadn’t acted.
“Better to be safe than not.”
Denise continued: “I feel for residents on the islands who have hardly slept and those who have had to leave their homes or are in hospital.”
But Scott Lendon said: “It’s definitely been an overreaction.
“The kids have had their education hindered again; people are losing wages due to having to take extra time off work.
“There wasn’t any real reason to close anything, it’s wind and rain, it’s happened before.”
Scott added: “I was out driving for work at 3am, and the weather was fine, has been all day.”
Vikki Meigh commented: “I know everyone is saying about the weatherman getting it wrong about the storm.
“Feeling sorry for the people in the Channel Islands who got it (the wind) full on at 104mph.
“Enjoy spending the day with your kids rather than moaning.
“It could have been a lot worse for Southampton, everyone is safe and hopefully all fence panels and roofs are all intact.”
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