9 November 2007Previous frontpage features can be found in our magazine.
Following on from Nigel Collor's letter in our Letters Page this morning, I made sure to keep an eye on the tidal situation and how it might affect us here in Dover. Fortunately we all survived fairly well despite the highest tide forecast in years. A three metre surge swept down along the eastern coast and there was fear and intrepidation in some areas. Homes were evacuated in East Anglia. Here in Dover we were not quite in those dire straights. This picture shows the tide reaching the sailclub buildings on the beach. Fortunately there were no waves to speak of so no real damage was done. The water remained fairly passive. Had there been high winds and rolling surf the story would have been different. So luck played a part.
On the left another shot of the same thing. The picture on the right shows the new Seasport Centre under construction. Had there been heavy waves this would almost certainly have been flooded out. Not much doubt about that, it was that close.
The pier has almost disappeared here and the outer wall almost did the same thing. It would certainly have set alarm bells ringing if that outer wall had submerged. If global warming carries on unchecked, this is something that will most certainly happen.
The beaches all vanished save for the main one shown at the top of page. Quite a number of people came down to see. At one point a Fire Engine and a Police Car stood by. Presumably in case of serious developments.
