Storm Strikes Sussex: Lightning Causes Damage to Buildings, Forces Evacuations

Sussex, England – In the wake of a thunderstorm warning issued by the Met Office, parts of East and West Sussex were rattled by lightning strikes overnight, leaving a trail of damage to buildings and prompting emergency responses.

One of the hardest-hit locations was a care home in Elmer, where the roof sustained damage after being struck by lightning. Additionally, a university building in Chichester faced roof damage and disruptions to its power system, according to reports from the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in these incidents. However, students at the university were relocated while authorities assessed the extent of the damage. Energy company SSE was called in to ensure the safety of electricity supplies at both affected buildings.

At Beach View, a residential home catering to adults with learning disabilities, emergency crews responded to a distress call at 01:45 BST. 

The scene was described as chaotic, with severe damage to the property’s gable-end wall, and a first-floor bathroom and bedroom were affected while a resident was sleeping.

Jim Mackay of the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service recounted the challenges faced by responders during the storm’s peak. “It was very scary,” he said. 

Because the storm was at its height, the thunder and lightning were continuing, and torrential rain was flooding the roads at that point, so even the access into the location was quite tricky.”

Despite the chaos, firefighters successfully evacuated eight residents and two staff members to safer areas within the building, where they underwent medical checks. 

Subsequently, they were transferred to a rest center in Bognor Regis until repairs could be made to the damaged home.

Residents in the vicinity described the event as shocking. Maureen Kemp, a nearby resident, shared her granddaughter’s experience of being kept awake all night due to the commotion caused by emergency services. 

“All the [residents] are well, and that’s the main thing,” she emphasized.

In another incident, fire crews were dispatched to university halls in College Lane, Chichester, at 02:25 BST. These instances were part of a series of calls received by emergency services across the county related to the thunderstorms.

BBC Weather Watchers also captured lightning strikes in various parts of East Sussex, including Brighton and Hove, underscoring the intensity of the overnight storm.

The Met Office had issued a yellow thunderstorm warning covering the southeast of England from 23:00 BST on Wednesday until 06:00 on Thursday. 

Public transport delays were anticipated due to lightning strikes, while there was a “small chance” of flooding in homes and businesses. The warning also highlighted the potential for damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds.

As the affected communities recover from the overnight ordeal, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to prioritize safety amidst unpredictable weather conditions.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members