As Storm Ciarán swept across the county, a Norfolk coastal village has considered itself lucky this time.

But with winter around the corner, Hemsby continues to be at odds with the threat of gale-force winds, colossal sea swells and more erosion. Losing only around half a metre from some parts of The Marrams on Thursday morning (November 2), Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd said the situation in the village "hasn't been too bad".

However, the lifeboat's main concern had been the integrity of the last remaining access road to The Marrams.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Coxswain Daniel Hurd (centre-right) with residents and HILB crew by Hemsby Gap. Picture - Denise BradleyCoxswain Daniel Hurd (centre-right) with residents and HILB crew by Hemsby Gap. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)"Many vulnerable people live on The Marrams, and they are always at risk of becoming isolated in weather like this," he said.

"But as the wind is coming from the southeast, I think we've got away with it for now. We've seen minimal loss of material, but the winds continue to be an issue."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: More of the old Marrams access road was lost during the previous storm. Picture - Denise BradleyMore of the old Marrams access road was lost during the previous storm. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

At around 11am the village experienced 40mph gusts with light rain. Some parts of Beach Road had standing water and there was minimal debris on the road's surface.

While Storm Ciarán has not currently severely impacted the village, Mr Hurd said many people living there "constantly fear" the upcoming winter.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sea swells by Hemsby Gap on November 2, 2023. Picture - Denise BradleySea swells by Hemsby Gap on November 2, 2023. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Another winter storm could wipe out the dunes of the Gap," he said.

"And then we'll be done.

"Only the day before the last storm, we were told there would be no funding for a sea defence. But we need to know what is our Plan B."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The plot of land on which the last home on the north side of The Marrams stood. The house was demolished on October 28. Picture - Denise BradleyThe plot of land on which the last home on the north side of The Marrams stood. The house was demolished on October 28. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Mr Hurd added that if The Marrams access road is lost, the cliff edge will get closer to Fakes Road. With the water mains under the road servicing other parts of the borough, Mr Hurd said such an event would be "catastrophic".

"And that will cost a lot more than £20m," he said.

Crew members from Hemsby Lifeboat's Inshore Rescue Service have been informed of the ongoing flood warnings across Norfolk and will be on call throughout the storm.