The 6th – 8th October 2006 – high tides and storm surge brings flooding to 17 Cornish localities

The 6th – 8th October 2006 saw high water levels and coastal flooding in 17 different locations in Cornwall, including St Ives, Looe, Penzance, Newquay, and Fowey.

Despite a relatively small skew surge (<0.25 m) recorded across much of the south coast, an estimated 80 properties were flooded in Looe (Cornwall Council, 2011). This event highlights the importance of factors other than water level. For example, we know that the South West region is exposed to strong Atlantic swell, although we are unaware of any details of wave conditions at the time. Coastal defences are also clearly important, and Looe is reportedly one of the most frequently inundated towns in Cornwall.

If you are aware of any additional information about this event, or have photographs you are happy to share with SurgeWatch, please get in touch.

References
Cornwall Council (2011). Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. Annex 5 – Chronology of Major Flood Events in Cornwall. Cornwall Council. Bodmin, Cornwall.