Huge waves batter Burnham-On-Sea as high tides and gales sweep in

Published: October 6, 2006
Huge waves batter Burnham-On-Sea as high tides and gales sweep in

Huge waves battered Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (October 6th) as high tides coincided with gale-forced winds.

Waves broke over the sea wall along several parts of the Southern Esplanade, leaving pools of sea water along roads and pavements as gusty winds of up to 60mph swept in.

There were dramatic scenes at Burnham Yacht Club when a fishing boat broke free of its anchor at the height of the tide, just after 7pm.

A club spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Two of our members ventured out into the waves in a dinghy to try and salvage the boat without putting themselves in too much risk. It all went successfully."

Large waves and plumes of spray were blown over the sea defences in several places and the Environment Agency shut the town's three sets of flood gates at the jetty, Maddock's Slade and Yacht Club.

Earlier in the day, the Environment Agency had issued a precautionary Flood Watch for the Bristol Channel coastline as the series of exceptionally high 'spring' tides swept in.

While the weather was not as calm as had been forecasted, the town escaped serious flooding. Further high tides are due to in the next few days. For more flood advice and information, residents can contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188.