Storm Ciara: Man attempting perfect 'storm selfie' on Southsea seafront among residents braving the weather

Winds are reaching speeds of 60mph and heavy rain is flooding the common – ‘perfect weather,’ according to residents out on the seafront in Southsea.
By Richard Lemmer
Published 9th Feb 2020, 15:47 BST
Updated 10th Feb 2020, 10:20 BST
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Among those braving the elements was Eddie Grelra, a Southsea resident who decided to visit Clarence Esplanade to take ‘the perfect selfie’ in front of the raging sea.

Decked out in a green one-piece rain coat and plastic shopping bags over his shoes, Eddie said he had spent 30 minutes trying to get the perfect shot.

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The thirty-six year old said: ‘I saw the weather and thought – why not?

Eddie Grelra was not put off by the 60mph winds in his attempt for the perfect storm selfie.Eddie Grelra was not put off by the 60mph winds in his attempt for the perfect storm selfie.
Eddie Grelra was not put off by the 60mph winds in his attempt for the perfect storm selfie.

‘It’s not that bad.’

The weather was ‘perfect’ for a dog walk, according to Matt Payne, who was taking his five-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, named Jasper, out for a walk.

Matt said: ‘These are the best days for a walk.

‘I wouldn’t have been able to keep him in the house – he loves the sea so much.’

Eddie Gerlra attempting the perfect storm selfie in Southsea.Eddie Gerlra attempting the perfect storm selfie in Southsea.
Eddie Gerlra attempting the perfect storm selfie in Southsea.
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For 13-year-old Harvey, the weather was a welcome distraction from a day out shopping at Gunwharf Quays with his mum Tracey, who lives with her family in Shereton.

He said: ‘It’s great weather.’

‘I’ve never seen weather like it,’ Tracey said.

Matt Payne out for a walk with his English Cocker Spaniel, Jasper.Matt Payne out for a walk with his English Cocker Spaniel, Jasper.
Matt Payne out for a walk with his English Cocker Spaniel, Jasper.
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Portsmouth City Council has closed Clarence Esplanade from the Hover Travel jetty to the seafront D-Day Story Museum car park due to the weather conditions.

The council had also shut Eastney Esplanade from the junction with St George's Road in Eastney to the junction with St Helens Parade.

A ‘severe’ Amber weather warning has been issued for across the Portsmouth area on Sunday with high winds expected to batter the region

Follow all the updates on Storm Ciara in our live blog here.

Related topics:Southsea