Friday 14th February 2014
St Valentine's Day & the weather that hit the whole country gave us a tremendous sea swell. Compared to many places along the UK's south coast, we got away lightly. It could've been a lot worse. I think that the outer lying rocks helps to protect the islands by breaking the seas up & taking some of the force out before it hits the shore.
I can't think that I've ever seen the seas so big in Porthcressa. There's been damage to Dibble & Grub where the waves hit the front and stoved in the wall under the windows. They've repaired the damage to the structure already. I for one look forward to enjoying a coffee there soon!
On the Little Porth side the waves caused damage to the sea wall, surrounding rocks & people's gardens
The sea filled up gardens in Little Porth properties and flowed out into the street. This flowed down to the back of Seasalt & Gibson Kyne shops. It was a good couple of feet deep there.
The fire brigade had pumps going and sand bags were set up.
The water was just like a river pouring through.
The sea also came up past the Wheelhouse and flooded the Bishop & Wolf pub.
There was some damage to the concrete path to the beach. A slab of concrete that I'd estimate to be near on 2.5 ton was broken off, lifted up and deposited a little further up.
Here's some more pictures of the aftermath
This used to be a raised area of vegetation
This area has been washed away & flattened
The rocks have all been moved
Above is a huge deposit of sea weed on the path
This wall made of 6" block was knocked over
There's lots of sand where it shouldn't be
