What caused the Lynmouth flood of 1952?
The flooding occurred on 15 August 1952, after nine inches of rain fell in the space of 24 hours. The downpour caused a wall of water to surge down from Exmoor onto Lynmouth. The East and West Lyn rivers, which drop down from Exmoor, were swollen even before the storm.
What happened at the town of Lynmouth in 1952?
The Lynmouth Flood occurred on the night of the 15–16 August 1952, principally affecting the village of Lynmouth, in north Devon. A storm with heavy rainfall, combined with already saturated soil and flood debris, led to the flooding of the village and a total loss of 34 lives.
Where was the flood in Devon?
Flooding in Devon: Mudslide closes road as flooding hits Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. Parts of Devon have been hit by flash flooding after heavy rainfall throughout the night. It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Devon and Cornwall.
What is Operation witch doctor?
Project Cumulus was a 1950s UK government initiative to investigate weather manipulation, in particular through cloud seeding experiments. Known jokingly internally as Operation Witch Doctor, the project was operational between 1949 and 1952.
What year did Lynmouth flood?
1952
The disaster which occurred in and around the town of Lynmouth on the night of August 15th-16th 1952 remains, after 60 years, the worst river flood experienced in the UK. Over 100 buildings were destroyed and the final death toll reached 34.
How many died in the Lynmouth flood?
On August 15, 1952, one of the worst flash floods ever to have occurred in Britain swept through the Devon village of Lynmouth. Thirty five people died as a torrent of 90m tons of water and thousands of tons of rock poured off saturated Exmoor and into the village destroying homes, bridges, shops and hotels.
When was the last flood in Lynmouth?
The disaster which occurred in and around the town of Lynmouth on the night of August 15th-16th 1952 remains, after 60 years, the worst river flood experienced in the UK. Over 100 buildings were destroyed and the final death toll reached 34.
What caused the North Sea flood in 1953?
A combination of a high spring tide and a severe European windstorm over the North Sea caused a storm tide. The combination of wind, high tide, and low pressure caused the sea to flood land up to 5.6 metres (18.4 ft) above mean sea level. Most sea defences facing the surge were overwhelmed, causing extensive flooding.