Hailstorm sparks 'absolute chaos' (Wessex)

[Mark Marsh]

I see the weather is responsible for "absolute chaos" in Devon and Somerset (BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7699112.stm). Any 4x4R activity, or is this another OMM type news story (i.e. not as bad as it sounds)?

[Pete Hallett]

Havent heard of any activity and Bob`s pretty quick with the news etc...........ill keep my ears to the ground. :D :D

[Dave White]

Might not be as bad as it sounds - but it ceratinly looks pretty bizzare from the video on that site...

[BobWessex]

Very localised as far as I'm aware, certainly our Devon Team manager hasn't indicated that any contact has been made by local agencies and I have good relationships with several voluntary agencies at regional level and GOSwest none of whom have been in touch.



Looking at the pictures I'd say "Very Dramatic" but not a major issue. Most of the pictures show flooded countryside -- not an issue. The dramatic ones of "hail drifts" would stop any vehicle, but probably thaw quickly. If the weather had continued over a longer period or covered a larger area I'm sure that a call would have been received.



Certainly when Cornwall had snow on Bodmin Moor a couple of years ago, we were offered as a "mutual aid asset" by Somerset CCU who understand our capabilities and have been heard to sing our praises to other user bodies.



PS

Yeap VERY isolated 100mm of rain in Ottery 6mm at Exeter only 12 miles away.



Having said the above, it obviously must have been bad for those affected.

[lee sund]

just seen the group ( wessex ) on TV ! attending the events today in devon !

[BobWessex]

I have just been advised that our Devon team has had 4 members operating in Ottery St Mary since early this morning. I am awaiting a full report on deployment etc.

[Jamie_Hewison]

had localised heavy hail storm up here in the north aswell, nothing major, was bad for about 10 mins but thawed out quickley, could become icy if the temp drops much more though!

[BobWessex]

Update



A call was received by our Devon team manager at 07:50 this morning, from Devon & Cornwall Police requesting assistance due to adverse road/weather conditions. Three members of the team were called directly by the Team manager who also deployed to the scene. The first unit was rapidly on scene as he lived in Ottery St Mary. At approximately 09:00 a briefing was given by D&C Police Search Manager before our units were deployed double-crewed with police offers/PCSOs to check the welfare of home owners in outlying areas. Stood down at 13:45 with thanks from D&C search manager and praise from Devon & Somerset Senior Fire Officer.

[Mark Marsh]

I have just been advised that our Devon team has had 4 members operating in Ottery St Mary since early this morning. I am awaiting a full report on deployment etc.



Well done those involved; nice to hear they were on TV too :)

[BobWessex]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/puffbox/hyperpuff/audiovideo/england/devon/7700254.stm

[Jim Wallace]

Well done guys

that was one mega hailstorm

[BobWessex]

Below is the report that I've just received from our Devon Team Manager.



Wessex 4 x 4 call out in Ottery St. Mary October 30th 2008



Telephone call from D&C emergency control received at 7.20am by RWW

Requirement was to attend at the Fire Station in OSM.

RWW telephoned six local members and four were available.

Dave Harris, Dave Wilson, Roger Gowing and RWW.

No additional members from further afield were needed.

Arrivals at OSM between 8.30 and 9.00am.

Sergeant Mike Rose of D&C police was Bronze controller.

Fire Brigade were also present.

W4x4 were deployed with local constables to comb local areas for people

in difficulties. This took until lunchtime.

Dave Harris assisted at a house where an elderly man was trapped upstairs.

W4x4 were then sent with the Special Forces of the Fire Service to Feniton, where

flooding had occurred in a residential area. Roger Gowing loaned his waders to a

policeman to access a marooned man.

W4x4 then returned the Special Forces to OSM.

W4x4 were stood down at 2.30pm.



Below is the mail from D&C.



Roland,

*

sorry I missed you at the end of the job today.

*

Thank you for your excellent support. things would have been so much more difficult without you. This was an excellent example of partnership approach to dealing with major incidents and your team were a tremendous resource and a credit to you.

*

Thank you again and please pass on these thanks to the team. Look forward to working with you again.

*

Mike

*

Sgt Mike Rose

[Jamie_Hewison]

well done to everyone! sounds like you did an excellent job!

[jimhancock]

Well done guys and Dave for his TV interview.



Roger - hope your waders were returned OK



JIM :roll: