| Blackpool Storms and Floods |
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Blackpool has its share of storms and floods.
Left are some scenes of high tides driven by winds from the late 1970s. When high tides are coupled
with strong winds the tide can wash over the promenade. |
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There are one or two seaside towns in England where you can park on the beach.
I have to tell you that it is not a good idea in Blackpool - no matter what you are driving...
The sea covers the beach entirely twice a day no matter whether you or your possessions are there or not! |
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On Christmas Eve 1997 Blackpool had severe wind problems. Ah, those festive beans
can have their downside!
Gales of over 80 miles per hour lashed the resort throughout the night and for several days
afterwards. The North Pier jetty was washed away by wind-driven seas and many sea front
attractions and buildings throughout the area suffered structural damage. |
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These photographs were taken of trees in the town's Stanley Park and show the severity of the wind. Every single year sees gales of this speed at some time or other.
The gales can start as early as September and in several years have caused damage to the town's famous Illuminations almost as soon as they are switched on. |
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Taken from the end of the North Pier in June 1998, the surviving part of the
jetty clearly shows the gap left when the sea washed away the major part of its length.
For many years the haven of fishermen, the jetty had taken on a new lease of life in
the 1990s as the launch pad for helicopter rides along the seafront.
Below: November 1998 and this field in Thornton gains a new pond after a prolongued
period of 80 mile per hour winds and heavy rain during October/Novbember |
| Yet the north west was let off lightly when compared to the Midlands where the River
Severn burst its banks and widespread flooding resulted. Around 20 people were killed
in weather related incidents, including an 18 year old girl whose car hit a wall in
torrential rain in Blackpool.
Even this paled into insignificance though when, at the same time, hurricane Mitch
left Nicuaragua devastated with thousands dead and homeless and entire villages destroyed
in mud slides caused after rain storms. |
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