Torrential Rains of 26 August 1987

[Andee]

On 26 August 1987, parts of southern England were hit by intense thunderstorms and torrential rain, marking one of the wettest late-August days of the decade.

The Setup

A slow-moving trough of low pressure settled across the south of England while humid air streamed in from the near continent. This unstable setup triggered widespread thunderstorms, some of which became “trainers”, repeatedly passing over the same areas.

The Deluge

Some parts of Sussex and Kent recorded more than 80 mm of rain in 24 hours.

Local flash flooding left roads submerged, and surface water overwhelmed drains in urban areas.

Lightning strikes were frequent, with power cuts reported in pockets across the southeast.

Impacts

Flooding in Sussex damaged homes and businesses, particularly in low-lying areas near river valleys.

Farmers reported flattened crops and waterlogged fields, coming just as harvesting was underway.

Rail commuters faced severe disruption as flooded tracks and signalling faults ground services to a halt.

Why It Matters

The 26 August 1987 storm is remembered locally as one of those sudden, short-lived but very disruptive late-summer deluges. It also serves as a reminder that while August is often associated with heatwaves and dry spells, the month can flip into violent thunderstorms with little warning.