Storm over the Channel 4–5 June 1944
You are advising General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
The Allied invasion of Normandy has already been postponed by 24 hours because of stormy weather. Tens of thousands of troops are waiting in ports and aboard ships. Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist, reports that a short break in the weather may arrive.
Known information
- The landings need a particular combination of tide and moonlight that occurs only on a few days each month.
- If the next few days are missed, the next suitable tides are about two weeks away.
- Stagg forecasts a temporary improvement for 6 June, but conditions will still be marginal and the forecast is uncertain.
- Rough seas and low cloud would make landing craft, airborne drops and air support less effective.
- Keeping the invasion secret for another two weeks, with troops already briefed, would be difficult.
