On this day in 2020, Hertfordshire was recovering from the impact of Storm Ciara, which caused widespread disruption to travel and power networks over the weekend.
With some of the strongest winds in a decade, trees were toppled onto roads and cars, leaving over 1,500 homes in the county without power and 25,000 affected across the East of England.
Local councils worked to clear fallen trees, with contractor John O’Conner handling much of the cleanup.
Fortunately, council properties were largely undamaged, and no significant flooding was reported.
The storm also disrupted sports, with 14 Herts Advertiser Sunday League matches canceled.
League president Roy Scott noted that veteran referee Brian Wright, with 45 years of experience, had to abandon a game due to wind for the first time.
“The only four matches that were played were on single-pitch facilities, rather than open parks,” he said.
[From The Herts Advertiser of February 10, 2020]
