Storm Surge: The aftermath

News of the severe storm surge that has ravaged the East Coast of the UK has been minimal over the last 24 hours when it was at its worst due to other breaking news stories, but this has been a very severe event. The worst in 60 years with a storm surge higher than expected. Over 12000 forced to leave along east coast. Its suprising that this hasn't been in the news more as it is devastating. Holiday Homes were washed to sea and tumbling down the cliff face along with tens of beach cabins. Piers and other coastal amusements were badly hit with a lifeboat station washed away also.

 

 

The surge arrived 1 hour before the high tide which was a good thing, but the size of the surge was 2m higher than expected and arrived a lot earlier than expected. In places it was higher than the great flood of 1956. Here in Lowestoft the water rose very dramatically breaching the quay walls in the centre.

 

 

The town centre was covered by several feet of floodwater, with shops and businesses including a newly opened Weatherspoons pub, Asda and Honda garaged submerged. Both bridges were closed meaning a long detour to get around with problems in the centre still today. The train services have been cancelled until further notice after a foot of water lapped up against the platforms in Lowestoft and other rails washed away down the line.

 

It was also revealed today that the lorry driver that died after his vehicle overturned in West Lothian was from Lowestoft.

 

Lowestoft centre under several feet of water

 

There were over 50 flood warnings, many of them severe yesterday with some still standing but the coastal surges have now deceased. The Environment Agency said 800,000 homes had been protected by flood defences and better forecasting had given people "vital time" to prepare. This has been a saviour for many areas, with the worst storm surge in 60 years it shows that the flood defences have really done well and stopped devastation and loss of life.

 

Lowestoft today