The Devon village of Dawlish got hammered by high tides and wind-driven waves today, breaking down the seawall protecting the harbour and destroying a segment of a main rail line into Cornwall. Similar seas were felt along the Jurassic Coast and Sandbanks was no exception. The maps show the storm hitting our coast pretty much square on, and the wind and rain absolutely lashed the house all day today.
I drove down from the North yesterday afternoon, and the skies grew darker and the winds rose as I dropped south of London on the M3. I stopped at the Café as I arrived to get a look at the beaches, the sand was already drifting along the promenade and waves were breaking hard against the jetty.
By this evening, the surf was high and foamy as far out as I could see. Stretches of the beach were blocked off for safety, and huge breakers were cascading white along the length of the shoreline.
Its all fun and exciting, although I know there will be a big cleanup afterward. Again. We had branches down and flooding along Shore Road at the end of the street, really nothing too bad. (Try your brakes, advised the signage.)
More heavy weather is expected throughout the weekend, great news when I have a flight to Germany late Saturday night.
It may just be a good evening to lie in, instead.