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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Storm Dennis - are we mad?

94 replies

Springiscoming20 · 15/02/2020 08:27

Have had a day out in London planned for months for all the family (12 people in total including children). It will require a 2 hour journey each way including car, an hour pn the train and then tube. We have non refundable tickets for something that cost a bloody fortune - hence a little pressure to try and still go.

Have visions of us stuck at Paddington with no way of getting home later this evening! That’s if we even make it in.

Are we made to try?

OP posts:
OhTheRoses · 15/02/2020 09:42

I'd crack on although the wind has whipped up in Surrey. But, I'd be prepared to go to the cinema tonight if trains are cancelled; have a late supper, etc, until trains run. Depends if you have small children with you and where you are coming in from and where you are leaving the cars vis a vis options re Uber, etc.

BorneoBabe · 15/02/2020 09:43

I'm in London and there's clearly a storm building. I've already been out to do a shop/run an errand to get it over with.

  • Find the closest Travelodge/Premier Inn to your train station and have the details on your phone in case you need to book.
  • Bring spare pants for everyone. Grin
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 15/02/2020 10:02

What's the event? (Nosey blighter here)

Is it still going ahead?

Concestor · 15/02/2020 10:05

My daughter got stranded in London last weekend with trains cancelled. Luckily she could stay over with my brother. I wouldn't go.

Crunchymum · 15/02/2020 10:06

I'm still going to take my kids to a party later (paid event but of course a lot less than £500)

I do have the option of bus / tube / train or even at a push a cab to get there and back though.

Also on accuweather its not looking too bad for later?

iloveredwine · 15/02/2020 10:08

Loads of trains have engineering works all weekend so lots of rail replacement buses without the cancelled trains. I was looking to get one but cant get to clapham junction due to engineering

PleasantVille · 15/02/2020 10:09

Obviously no one knows what will happen with the trains later or where you are travelling from but personally I'd still go.

SerenDippitty · 15/02/2020 10:09

We have an overnight flight from Heathrow tomorrow night. Feeling increasingly concerned as we had meant to get to Heathrow by train. We might end up driving instead.

Jaxhog · 15/02/2020 10:12

I'd go, but prepare for delays. The Met Office says it won't be quite as bad as last weekend in terms of wind, although flooding will probably be worse in the North. Keep an eye of the forecast and the websites of trains etc.

Hope you have a great day.

Konicek007 · 15/02/2020 10:18

Nah. I don’t think anything of it.
Jus
I just went out for long walk. Not a leave on tree moved. No rain, nothing. Can’t see it.

Hellokittymania · 15/02/2020 10:18

The weather is still OK at the moment, the wind picks up from time to time, but nothing like it was last Sunday… I’m cautious, but for different reasons… Maybe have a hotel or Airbnb search, just in case.

I too, grow up in Florida, and I lived for many years in Southeast Asia. I have seen my fair share of really scary lightning, plenty of typhoons, floods up to your neck and other things… I don’t go out in extreme weather.

PurpleFlower1983 · 15/02/2020 10:29

I would go! Enjoy the theatre or whatever you are doing and worry about it later! X

PurpleFlower1983 · 15/02/2020 10:29

Ooops! Sorry for the X Blush

Bigearringsbigsmile · 15/02/2020 10:40

Oh just go! Fgs!

Tara336 · 15/02/2020 10:46

It seems so far the have over dramatised Storm Dennis, we have cancelled long standing plans as it involved a long car journey and now I’m thoroughly pissed that it looks like we needn’t have

Bettercallsaul1 · 15/02/2020 10:47

Is it Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by any chance, OP? If so, I completely understand your dilemma!

LakieLady · 15/02/2020 10:48

Another vote for driving into the outskirts and getting tube/bus.

The wind is really picking up in my part of Sussex already, and the worst isn't supposed to be until later on. We also have flood alerts that include areas with railway lines.

lots33 · 15/02/2020 10:50

I don’t think this weekend is supposed to be as bad as last Sunday. However, I travelled to London from South Wales last Sunday and it took me 8 hours and three trains instead of 3 hours and one train.... due to overhead lines near Paddington going down in the storm. So there are risks of delays.....

AdoptedBumpkin · 15/02/2020 11:18

I'm intrigued as to what the event is.

GabsAlot · 15/02/2020 11:21

i would try its ok here at the moment-be prepared to have to stay overnight though

MaMisled · 15/02/2020 11:24

We also have a big day out planned tomorrow. Involves cars and trains and a long walk. I've spoken with my grown up DC and they're all still up for it!

AJPTaylor · 15/02/2020 11:25

I'm in Sussex too. Weather is worsening by the minute!

AdoptAdaptImprove · 15/02/2020 11:42

If you’re arriving in to Paddington I guess you’re coming from the west/south west, as I usually do. When the trains are cancelled I drive up the M4 and park at Osterley tube station, then get on the Piccadilly line all the way into town. I’ve never found the car park full on a weekend, and it’s only a few pounds to park all day. I realise OP has probably left already but it might help someone else!

Butterymuffin · 15/02/2020 11:51

@BorneoBabe's advice is good! Take that and go Smile

Original poster
Springiscoming20 · 15/02/2020 13:57

Well..so far so good. It’s obvs the journey back that’s the worry, but we’ve made it in with no problems. Even got seats :). Haven’t packed knickers for all but have got significant no of mini eggs to sustain us through any problems 😄

Tutankhamen for those curious!

OP posts: