Source

The storm developed in the mid-North Atlantic on the 25^th of December and moved towards the UK. The storm crossed the UK on the 26^th of December and had a central pressure of about 975 mbar (Davison, 1993; Boza, 2018). A fierce hurricane wind from the southwest coincided with an extraordinary high tide 3 feet higher than usual led to coastal flooding in part of Hampshire area and Isle of Wight (Zong and Tooley, 2003). Lightning, heavy thunder, and rain were also reported during this event.

Pathway

Huge waves broke over the Esplanade and Sandown Parade and overtopped a sea wall and a common area (Davison, 1993). A sea wall was even smashed to pieces by the waves.

Receptor and Consequence

The flooding started at noon and the water rose so quickly that hardly anything could be done to keep it out. It was reported that the total lost must have been some hundreds of pounds (Boza, 2018). Foam from the waves washed onto the windows of the houses.

In Portsmouth, common areas and streets were submerged to about waist height and boats were able to navigate through them and take passengers to their destinations (Davison, 1993). Cellars were full of water and many houses and stables were flooded with 2 feet of water. Gardens and roadways were flooded and a footpath was destroyed. Vast land, meadows, and mills were submerged and some sheep were drowned. There was inconvenience and extensive damage to houses and their furniture, streets, shops, and groceries; it was deemed as the most serious that has occurred for many years.

In Southampton, streets were water canals, low-lying houses and shops flooded. It was also reported that there was inconvenience in train transportation and people had water up to their knees. Telephone service was suspended during this event.

The flooding was the worst anyone had ever known at Wellington and Fareham that people spent Boxing day pumping out water from their homes (Davison, 1993).

In Cowes, there was serious flooding, much damage to stock, considerable loss of property, and some places were flooded to a depth of 5 feet and did not have electricity.

In Ryde there was much damage to houses, some places were flooded up to 2 feet. Stocks of cigars and cigarettes were damaged worth £30. Piers and ports were smashed and damaged. Roads were obstructed for cars and pedestrians, and many businesses were in standstill.

In Newport, there was serious flooding and considerable damage, the streets were flooded up to 1 foot depth with total loss of hundreds of pounds.

In Yarmouth, huge waves broke over the quay and streets, and there was serious flooding in streets and houses, with up to 3 feet deep, which caused considerable damages.

In Lymington, the water rose so rapidly that there was not enough time to do something, many houses were flooded, considerable quantities of corn, hay, sugar, barley, flour, oil, and poultry food was destroyed and 200 fowls died (Boza, 2018).

Summary Table

*No known sources of information available