[John]

That was a night not to forget for me. I was a long distance lorry driver and was delivering through the night that night.

I had started mid afternoon at Southampton then Portsmouth before moving onto Chichester and Shoreham. By the time I had left Shoreham things were getting scary. My next drop was at Ashford in Kent, which was a fair drive. I'm still not sure where I was when I came to an area that really scared me. I was in the middle of a wooded area and trees were rocking everywhere. Branches were being ripped off and were flung across me. How I didn't crash I don't know but one thing was certain I had to get out of there quick.

I hadn't gone far before the force of the wind was pushing me across the road and I was fighting for control of the wagon. Up ahead of me was a bridge and I decided to stop under it. Good decision as within minutes the noise from the increasing wind was horrendous and I sat there watching trees being ripped up by the roots and flung to the floor.

That bridge, as far as I am concerned, possibly saved my life as by the time the winds had abated the destruction before me was complete. Hardly a tree was standing upright and the road was virtually impassable in places.

Thankfully there was enough room to get me a few miles along the road until I reached an area where a clearing operation was under way. I was soon joined by a few cars and a couple of lorries as well.

The clearing crew told us to park up whilst they went about the job of clearing the trees from the road and whilst doing it they came over with tea and sandwiches. It was a real Dunkirk spirit and after a few hours we were on our way.

It took me two more days to get back to Birmingham and on the way I saw scenes that were pitiful with areas reduced to nothing more than splinters or rubble.

A night that I hope will never be repeated on in the UK ever again.

John