davidjh I see from your public profile that you have a good understanding of how things work in public aviation transport and I do sympathise but, if you look through the history in these forums about information to pax during a delay - you will see the reasons why information often does not appear. And that with a 'simple' delay. This was different and people have died.
Southern England had one of the strongest storms in a long time - and only a couple of weeks after the last unexpectedly strong storm. Here are a selection of headlines from the BBC today:
BBC News - Two die as severe weather hits pre-Christmas travel
BBC News - Power 'to remain out for Christmas'
BBC Weather - Why is it so stormy?
BBC News - UK storm: Damage disrupts travel as more severe weather hits
BBC News - Stranded on a ferry: 'Injured people air-lifted to safety'
BBC News - Heavy rain and 87mph winds bring disruption in Wales
BBC News - UK weather: 'Floods not over,' says Environment Agency
You are safe and have access to communications (hence your post on here) so, sorry, but that means you're OK. YES, I'm sure it was frustrating and irritating and upsetting and cost you money BUT, now that I'm old I have learnt about delays to my life plans and their poper proportion.