Heavy rainfall and strong winds occurred over much of the south-west of the UK on the 13th October 2002.
The synoptic chart shows the situation at 1200 GMT on the 13th October, with a low pressure system and associated fronts over the far south-west of the UK.

The map shows the amount of rainfall recorded, using gauge data available from the real-time network on the 14 October 2002.

These maps show the highest gust and mean wind speeds recorded, using data available from the real-time network on the 14 October 2002.
Highest hourly mean wind speed was 47 knots (54 m.p.h.) at The Needles (Isle of Wight).

Highest Gust speed was 65 knots (75 m.p.h.) at Culdrose. However, Alderney Airport on the Channel Islands reported a spot gust of 74 knots (85 m.p.h.).

The rainfall table, which has the data available from our real time network, shows the highest rainfall totals for various periods on the 13th October 2002.
| Rainfall Station | Rainfall Total (mm) | Start date/time of Rainfall and length of duration | Return Period (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pembrey Sands, Carmanthenshire | 72.2 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 81 |
| Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire | 69.2 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 62 |
| Gawlish, Devon | 65.5 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 39 |
| Dunkeswell, Devon | 58.2 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 20 |
| St. Athan, Glamorgan | 42.0 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 5.5 |
| Cardiff Weather Centre | 40.0 | 13 October 2002 09:00 - 12 hours | 5.7 |
| Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire | 40.0 | 13 October 2002 14:00 - 3 hours | 25 |
| Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire | 32.0 | 13 October 2002 14:00 - 2 hours | 20 |
| Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire | 20.0 | 13 October 2002 15:00 - 1 hours | 11 |
Pembrey Sands reported 73.2 mm in the 24-hour period ending 09 GMT on 14 October, their highest 24-hour total (09-09 GMT) since Met Office electronic archive data records began in 1994. The previous highest value was 60.0 mm on the 21 April 1995 and the previous highest October figure was 39.6 mm on 29 October 2000). The previous highest 12-hourly value (09-21 GMT or 21-09 GMT) was 38.8mm on 13 August 2000.
Milford Haven reported 72.4 mm in the 24-hour period ending 09 GMT on 14 October, their highest 24-hour total (09-09 GMT) since Met Office electronic archive data records began in 1964. The previous highest value was 70.5 mm on the 25 August 1986 and the previous highest October figure was 43.3 mm on 14 October 1976. The previous highest 12-hourly value (09-21 GMT or 21-09 GMT) was 61.5 mm on 25 August 1996.
Gawlish reported 65.5 mm in the 24-hour period ending 09 GMT on 14 October, their highest 24-hour total (09-09 GMT) since Met Office electronic archive data records began in 1989. The previous highest value was 65.2 mm on the 10 June 1993 and the previous highest October figure was 39.3 mm on 29 October 2000. The previous highest 12-hourly value (09-21 GMT or 21-09 GMT) was 62.9 mm on 10 June 1993.


Please note: The empirical relationship between radar reflectivity and rainfall rate is fixed whereas in reality this is highly dependent on precipitation type and is very different for rain and hail.