The Great Storm of 1987 was a powerful extratropical cyclone that struck parts of southern England and northern France on October 15-16, 1987. Winds reached speeds of up to 100 mph, causing widespread damage to trees, buildings, and infrastructure. The storm resulted in the loss of 19 lives and left millions without power. Meteorologists had initially underestimated the storm's intensity, leading to criticism of weather forecasting. The event prompted improvements in forecasting techniques and emergency preparedness. The aftermath saw extensive cleanup efforts, with many areas taking years to fully recover from the destruction caused by the storm.