Storm Event

Severity ? 3

Source

There were reports of north-westerly gales coupled with high tide causing the floods (Banjo, 2018). Reportedly, 4 feet surges was observed in coastal towns (Ruocco, 2009).

Pathway

There were a total of four sea wall breaches (including seawall at Mersea Strood) and ten minor overtopping reported in Essex (Banjo, 2018). In Selsey, ¼ of a mile shingle bank sea defence were breached (Harlow, 2012).

Receptor and Consequence

Serious flooding was reported in Stoneham Lane north of the church. ‘Heavy seas smashed two windows of the cafeteria in the forward section’ (Ruocco, 2009).

In Essex, flooding was reported at Church Street up to 2 feet above the road as well as at Harwich town hall, Trinity House, Quay Pavilion, Pier Hotel and Angel Inn (Banjo, 2018). Road bridging the River Stour at Cattawade was also flooded cutting off the primarylink betweenEssex and Suffolk. Water flooded the factory at Lawford Plant and Machinery Co. at Cattawade to a depth of nine inches but no severedamage. There was damage to wire ropes at Norseman Ropes factory at Brantham Mill after water reached 18 inches. Eight homes at Factory Lane were flooded. The airstripat Cattawade Marshes flooded as well as cattle grazing land at Wivenhoe. Land reclamation of 70 acres at marshes at MovernsFarm Brightington were destroyed by flood.

Houses at Wivenhoe Quay also reportedly flooded, as well as mainroad into Fingringhoe, Harwich Quay. Old Leigh and Esplanade flooded by 3 feet of water. Canvey Island was cut off from the mainland bridge at Benfleet. Homes in Chalkwell Esplanade were also flooded.

At Sandwich, Scoones (2018) recorded that The Quay and Strand Street flooded.

Summary Table

Loss of life *
Residential property 8 homes at Factory Lane, houses at Wivenhoe Quay, homes in Chalkwell Esplanade flooded.
Evacuation & Rescue *
   
Cost *
Ports *
Transport Church Street, Harwich, flooded. Road bridging the River Stour at Cattawade was also flooded cutting off the primary link betweenEssex and Suffolk.
Energy *
Public services Harwich town hall, Trinity House, Quay Pavilion, Pier Hotel and Angel Inn flooded.
Water & wastewater *
Livestock *
Agricultural land Cattle grazing land at Wivenhoe flooded. Land reclamation of 70 acres at marshes at Moverns Farm Brightington were destroyed by flood.
   
Coastal erosion *
Natural environment *
Cultural heritage *
Coastal defences 4 sea wall breached and 10 minor overtoppings.

*No known sources of information available

We rely on submissions from the public to maintain these images. If you witnessed this event, please help by uploading your photos.

Contribute photos
View all

References

  1. Banjo, M. (2018). A Historical Analysis of Coastal Flooding in Essex: Analysis of Flood Frequency and Severity. Southampton Undergraduate Thesis.
  2. Ruocco, A. (2009). Reconstructing Coastal Flood Occurrence in the Solent since 1935 using Historical Database. Southampton MSc Dissertation.
  3. Harlow, F. (2012). Incidences and Causes of Flooding in Portsmouth. Southampton Undergraduate Thesis.
  4. Scoones, A. (2018). Understanding Coastal Flooding in Kent. Southampton Undergraduate Thesis.