The Great Storm of 1987

16 October 1987

The Great Storm of October 1987 struck the south coast with hurricane-force winds, causing widespread damage across Hayling Island. Trees were uprooted, buildings damaged, and power lines brought down. The island's exposed, low-lying position made it particularly vulnerable to the wind, and the storm surge raised sea levels along the coast. The damage to property and infrastructure was significant, and the clean-up took weeks. The storm was a reminder of Hayling's vulnerability to extreme weather events and contributed to the ongoing debate about coastal defences and flood protection on the island. The 1987 storm remains one of the most dramatic weather events in living memory for Hayling residents.