The story of the Great Storm of 1987 is explained, from the weather depression that caused it, to the people who experienced its devastation at first hand, in a video for KS3 geography lessons.
How does a weather depression form and develop? The Great Storm of 1987 started out as a low-pressure system that formed over the Atlantic and matured on its journey towards the UK.
It had the characteristics of a typical depression, with a warm and cold front, but due to its exceptional size, strength and speed, it caused unprecedented and unexpected damage across the south of England.
This video charts the different stages of the storm's journey from sea to land, drawing on the expertise of Professor Paul Hardaker of the Royal Meteorological Society, personal testimony from people who remember its impact, and archive footage from the BBC.