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A 60 year storm battered Norfolk’s coastline last Thursday, wrecking businesses and homes and putting the Coastguard on full alert.
While I was in the area expecting to get “a few shots” I had no idea how destructive this tidal surge would be, let alone catch it on camera as it unfolded. The images below are a small insight into the power of nature and the chaos this surge has caused.
For me it started around 4pm when you could see that the tide had a strength I’d not witnessed before. This first shot was around 3.45pm….
At around 4.25 the tide was looking a bit more serious, with the odd wave sending out spray and foam over the sea wall.
I popped into the Red Lion with a friend for a quick coffee and warm up as, by now, it was bitterly cold too. We emerged around 1 hour later, still not even high tide to witness a tidal cauldron smacking into the pier and prom. Things were looking dangerous and, not long after, the Coastguard showed up as the prom started to fill up with surges of sea spray.
The Coastguard were keen to get the six remaining fishermen off the pier, one of which was riding a mobility scooter, he was the first to be fetched.
Once a few more waves had hit the Pier entrance the prom walkway was submerged in water and at its peak this was up to 2 feet deep.
At high tide the next day the full extent of the damage to the prom could be seen, with the amusement arcade with its façade ripped away and large chunks of the coastal wall, up to 8 feet in length, lay strewn across the prom. Although it had subsided, the tide was still strong enough for the damage to continue, while the Coastguard were still on alert and ensuring no-one ventured down to the, now very sorry looking, pier.While workmen discussed what needed to be done, a rather optimistic sign stands nearby…..”Re-opening soon”.
The prom and beach huts look a rather sad state and will take some time to repair. Tangled bits of beach huts lay in a twisted mess across the prom.
While this is the quiet season, as far as tourists are concerned, it hopefully gives North Norfolk Council the opportunity to get the prom and pier back onto its feet ready for the new season as it heavily relies on the tourist pound.
Not the only photographer to cover this but every set I’ve seen has been unique to that particular artist. These are great. And the beauty of that sunset shot at the end with a new dawn to follow I hope! Cracking stuff!
Wow amazing photos!!!
Wow – the power of nature shown in these awesome pictures. How awful though to see the destruction and devastation on such a lovely part of the coast. Beautifully captured.
The power of nature
Fantastic photographs
amazing pictorial record of this historical event seven days ago….
Thanks everyone – it really was an overwhelming experience.
Fantastic photos, I live in Derbyshire, but naomi bushell is my daughter.
Great shots Mike
Thank you for sharing your pictures & thoughts. Not sure whether you were mad or brave stayig out in the cold, abysmal weather to capture the shots for prosperity.
Hi your pictures are amazing, will you be doing prints to sell as I would love some.
Many thanks
Becs x
Awesome Mike, my colleagues in the coast protection team at NNDC would no doubt be interested in seeing or obtaining these images.
Stunning photography, amazing!
Thanks for sharing these fantastic photos. Does anyone know why the fishermen were on the pier after all the warnings? And did they properly thank those brave people who had to put themselves at risk to get them off??
Thanks Becs, a few of these are for sale in order to raise monies for the Flood Appeal. If there are some specific shots you’re looking for please feel free to contact me directly. All the best, Mike info@michaeljamesphoto.co.uk
Thanks Martyn! Hope you’re keeping well.
Thanks Rob. Yup Cromer prom was a busy place over those few days…everyone had a camera round their neck.
[…] Cromer getting battered last December (here’s the blog post http://www.michaeljamesphoto.co.uk/cromers-60-year-tide-aftermath ) – well, it looks like it happening again. Here’s a few shots from earlier this […]