How Storm Eunice shook south east London as Storm Otto batters UK

A rare red weather warning – the highest alert, meaning a high impact is very likely –was put into place from 7am on February 18, 2022, due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge because of Storm Eunice.

As the storm hit, south east Londoners shared plenty of pictures of uprooted trees, destroyed gardens and collapsed walls.

Storm Eunice (Image: Mill Johns)

Parts of London’s O2 Arena in Greenwich roof was “ripped off” as Storm Eunice battered the capital.

Some of the white covering on the venue could be seen flapping in the strong winds in footage shared on social media.

The famous building, formerly known as the Millennium Dome, hosts major events including concerts and features restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 1,000 people were evacuated from the building but there were no reports of any injuries.

O2 Arena (Image: Danny Missen)

Four people were killed during the storm across the UK and many more were taken to hospital for related injuries, including two from south London.

The aftermath (Image: Michelle Oswald)

A nursery in Orpington was badly damaged by Storm Eunice but has since covered and reopened.

Bright Horizons Crofton Day Nursery and Preschool was forced to close after the storm in February 2022 and it has taken five months to get back up and running.

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The nursery refurbishments include a full replacement of the roof, new internal ceilings, new flooring, and redecoration throughout.

Southeastern Railway closed its entire network after trees felled by high-speed winds blocked lines across the region.

Emergency services on scene (Image: Vger Goldby)

Storm Eunice, which hit the UK and Ireland along with other parts of Europe, causing 16 deaths in total and cost 4.3 billion US dollars (£3.5 billion).