High tides held by defences

GREAT Yarmouth was delivered a stark reminder of the power of the sea at the weekend as strong gales forced rivers to rise to dangerous levels, pushing flood defences to the limit.

GREAT Yarmouth was delivered a stark reminder of the power of the sea at the weekend as strong gales forced rivers to rise to dangerous levels, pushing flood defences to the limit.

As water began to escape from manhole covers at Town Hall Quay and North Quay - flooding the walkway and car park at Haven Bridge House - residents began to fear a repeat of November's flood.

The Environment Agency had issued several flood watches - the lowest warning - on Saturday morning but as levels continued to rise the agency issued more serious warnings.

Ice House Quay was breached with water running through to the entrance of Matalan car park.

The river topped over at the low-lying Riverside Road in Gorleston and several people had gathered on Gorleston's beach to watch the powerful waves roll in. Surfers also took advantage of the weather to enjoy the high and strong waves.

Communities on the Broads escaped largely unscathed, although the A146 Beccles Road was closed for several hours on Saturday afternoon due to flooding at the usual hotspot near St Olaves.

In Reedham, the decision was taken to stop running the ferry across the River Yare from 1pm onwards because of the high water.