The great storm of '87 is etched in my memory. I woke to the sound of our garden fence performing somersaults down the street. The huge oak tree had stood in the park for over a hundred years. It lay fallen. Its roots reached skyward like grasping fingers.
Our local sports centre was torn into tatters by the wind. It would take years before the swimming pool was repaired and back in working order.
School was cancelled, which seemed like a miracle at first. But then we saw the real impact - roads blocked, power lines down, neighbours helping neighbours clear debris. Mrs. Johnson from next door had her greenhouse scattered across three gardens. For weeks afterward, people would start conversations with "Where were you when...?"
Today's Memoir Prompt: Describe the most dramatic weather event you've experienced. How did it affect your community?
Today's Memoir Writing Tip
Weather can leave an indelible mark on our memories, shaping events and emotions. Recall the most dramatic weather event you’ve experienced. Was it a fierce storm, a heavy snowfall, or an intense heatwave? Describe the scene in vivid detail—the sounds, sights, and sensations that accompanied it.
How did this weather event affect your community? Were there power cuts, school closures, or an outpouring of neighbourly support? Reflect on how you and those around you coped with the situation. Was it a moment of unity or challenge?
Consider how this event has stayed with you. What did it teach you about resilience, nature, or the unpredictability of life? Use this prompt to explore how weather shapes not just landscapes but also the stories of our lives.
