Storm Event

'Over 20 square miles have been affected by flooding'

Severity ? 2

Source

21st April 1947 was associated with serious flooding at Annan, Scotland with waves reportedly over 6 ft. [1.8 m] high during an abnormally high tide (Hickey, 1997). This was attributed to a south-easterly gale with maximum wind speeds at Renfrew airport around 61 knots [31 m/s] and averaging 35 knots [18 m/s]. Flooding was also reported by Hickey (1997) on 22nd and 23rdApril, examining meteorological data it is clear that the floods from 21st–22nd April 1947 are associated with the same storm. The inundation reported for 23rd April 1947 may have been from those events, or possibly as a result of a storm that followed quickly after.

Pathway

No known sources of information.

Receptor and Consequence

On 21st April, the loading station of a cement store on Port St. was submerged by 6 ft. [1.8 m] of water, and there was serious flooding at the mouth of the River Annan. Extensive, deep flooding was also reported at Welldale where over 20 mwere affected. On 22nd April 1947 there was continued flooding, with “deep” flood water reported at Welldale (Hickey, 1997). During 23rd April 1947, it is reported that large tracts of land were flooded in the Solway Firth (Hickey, 1997). Near the River Sark the floodwater affected agricultural land 0.5 miles [0.8 km] from the shore. In Annan, local roads alongside the harbour were once again inundated (from the previous two days).

Summary Table

Loss of life *
Residential property *
Evacuation & Rescue *
 
Cost *
Ports *
Transport Local roads near Annan harbour were submerged
Energy *
Public services *
Water & wastewater *
Livestock *
Agricultural land Fields in Solway Firth were inundated and extensive flooding of agricultural land around the River Tay
 
Coastal erosion *
Natural environment *
Cultural heritage *
Coastal defences *

*No known sources of information available

References

  1. Hickey, K. R. (1997). Documentary records of coastal storms in Scotland, 1500-1991 A.D. Coventry University. Available at: https://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/file/aa6dfd04-d53f-4741-1bb7-bdf99fb153be/1/hick1comb.pdf.
  2. Hickey, K. R. (1997). Documentary records of coastal storms in Scotland, 1500-1991 A.D. Coventry University. Available at: https://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/file/aa6dfd04-d53f-4741-1bb7-bdf99fb153be/1/hick1comb.pdf.