Information Classification: CONTROLLED
Flood Investigation Reports 2014 Last updated: 23/04/2018
Overview 2014 January 2014 was officially the wettest January in the south of England since records began in 1767 and the winter of 2013/14 was the wettest winter on record, at the time. In addition to this, the year started with an unprecedented series of Atlantic depressions and swells leading to huge storm surges coupled with extremely high tides and record breaking wave heights. Eight individual storms swept over the region during January and February resulting in coastal flooding particularly during the periods 2nd - 9th January (Atlantic Storm Hercules), 1st - 5th February (referred to as Hercules 2 or Bridget) and 14 February (dubbed the St Valentines Storm). Wave damage also impacted on defences on 23 February and 1st to the 5th March. During this period around 360 properties in Cornwall flooded. The cost of repairs to damaged sea defences in Cornwall was estimated to be in excess of £21 million. A summary of the impacts that these storms had in Cornwall can be accessed in this document.
2 to 9 January During this period the Environment Agency issued a “Very Severe” flood warning for both coasts. Looe was particularly badly affected with around 60 properties flooding on each high tide. In addition to the significant floods, below, sea defences were badly damaged at Seaton, Newquay and Portreath and there was considerable storm damage in St Ives. • Flood Investigation Report for Fowey (3 January 2014) • Flood Investigation Report for Looe (3 January 2014) • Flood Investigation Report for Polperro (9 January 2014) • Flood Investigation Report for Porthleven (3 January 2014)
1 to 5 February In St Ives and St Mawes waves damaged properties and smashed windows, flooding homes. The harbour defences at Porthleven were completely overwhelmed. • Flood Investigation Report for Fowey • Flood Investigation Report for Kingsand • Flood Investigation Report for Looe • Flood Investigation Report for Mevagissey • Flood Investigation Report for Millendreath • Flood Investigation Report for Penryn • Flood Investigation Report for Portmellon • Flood Investigation Report for Penzance • Flood Investigation Report for St Ives
14 February Penzance appeared to receive the brunt of this storm with flooding along the promenade and the railway station. Defences were also overtopped at Lostwithiel. • Flood Investigation Report for Frogpool • Flood Investigation Report for Newlyn Information Classification: CONTROLLED
2 to 5 March Further storms occurred, coinciding with high tides. The sea defences at Eastern Green in Penzance were badly damaged. No significant flooding of properties was noted. 8 October High tides and strong winds affected coastal communities. • Flood Investigation Report for Fowey (October) • Flood Investigation Report for Looe (October)
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 - 5 February 2014 Location: Fowey
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding along South Street, Webb Street and Fore Street. Properties flooded 3 - 5 Feb.
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding of Caffamill Car Park.
No of properties flooded: 26
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Fowey against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 8 October 2014 Location: Fowey
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with strong winds.
Description of flood event:
Flood waters came up Webb Street and into Fore Street, possibly aggravated by tidal ingress through the highway drainage network propagating up through the road gullies in Fore Street.
Three properties flooded by bow waves (Fore Street and Web Street) from passing vehicles travelling at excessive speed. CORMAC arranged a gang to put out SLOW signs). Two properties suffered minimal flooding and six took actions to stay dry.
No of properties flooded: 5
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority. Highways.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? Yes Who? Cornwall Council What? Assessment of highway drainage including flap valves. A strategic approach is required for defending Fowey against tidal flooding.
Is there further information available on EA reconnaissance plus photographs record? supplied by member of the public.
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 January 2014 Location: Fowey
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
At least one shop flooded in Fore Street. Traders said the water rose to approximately 0.6 m high outside the Quay Bakery. Up to 8 properties flooded 31 Dec - 9 Jan.
No of properties flooded: 8
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Fowey against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 14 February 2014 Location: Frogpool
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Heavy rainfall.
Description of flood event:
One property flooded internally. Estate drainage was unable to cope (blocked drains?). Water ran down path into garden and through front door. Repeat of event that occurred on 23 December 2013.
No of properties flooded: 1 (repeat)
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary ? Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Responsibility for surface water.
Environment Agency
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? Yes Who? Householder
What? Possible candidate for repair and renew grant.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 4 - 5 February 2014 Location: Kingsand
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding along The Cleave. Iconic Clock Tower and Institute severely damaged. 5 properties flooded 4th Feb and 8 properties flooded 5th Feb.
No of properties flooded: 8
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Kingsand against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 - 5 February 2014 Location: Looe
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences all along the quay side.
Around 30 properties flooded in East Looe and 30 in West Looe.
No of properties flooded: 60
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Looe against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 8 October 2014 Location: East Looe
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? No Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with strong winds.
Description of flood event:
At least three properties flooded in East Looe. One was due to water coming up through the drains and one due to bow water from vehicles driving through flood water on the road.
No of properties flooded: 3 commercial properties
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority. Highways.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? Yes Who? Cornwall Council What? A strategic approach is required for defending Looe against tidal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 January 2014 Location: Looe
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Severe floods hit Looe on Thursday night. Shopkeepers on Fore Street reported up to 100 mm of water throughout their premises on the Friday morning.
No of properties flooded: 60
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Looe against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 1 - 5 February 2014 Location: Mevagissey
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences along Middle Wharf and Olivers Quay. Ship Inn flooded again. 3 properties flooded 1st Feb, 20 properties flooded 3rd Feb, 8 properties flooded 4th Feb and 20 properties flooded 5th Feb.
No of properties flooded: 20
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? A strategic approach is required for defending Mevagissey against coastal flooding.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 5 February 2014 Location: Millendreath
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of Millendreath Stream during high tides.
No of properties flooded: 28
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Coastal Authority. Responsibility for Cornwall Council ordinary watercourse.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? Yes Who? CC
What? Establish whether repeat event is likely.
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 14 February 2014 Location: Newlyn
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences on Newlyn Coombe.
No of properties flooded: 7
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What?
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 February 2014 Location: Penryn
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding along Commercial Road.
Overtopping of defences around footbridge leading to flooding of pub and property around Summercourt and South Harbour.
No of properties flooded: 5
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority. Responsibility.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What?
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 February 2014 Location: Penzance - promenade
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Defences overtopped and basement of Queens Hotel and up to 10 other properties flooded. Some windows have been smashed in the Queens Hotel and possibly other properties. 0.6 to 1.0 m deep in Morrab Road. Properties being pumped out.
No of properties flooded: 11
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority. Responsibility.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What?
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 9 January 2014 Location: Polperro
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Six properties reported flooded 31st Dec - 9th Jan.
No of properties flooded: 60
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? .
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 January 2014 Location: Porthleven
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences along the western side of the harbour.
No of properties flooded: 5
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What? .
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 – 5 February 2014 Location: Portmellon
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding of road and property along the sea front on 3 February.
Overtopping of defences leading to flooding of Portmellon Park Road on 4 February.
No of properties flooded: 6
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What?
Is there further information available on No record?
Cornwall Council Flood Investigation Report
Date: 3 February 2014 Location: St Ives
Details of the flood event Did five or more properties flood internally? Yes Did at least one property flood internally that has also Yes flooded internally within the last five years? If the answer to either question above is Yes then this Report will form part of a Section 19 Flood Investigation Report and will need to be published.
Description of weather conditions:
Exceptionally high tides combined with swell from low pressure system.
Description of flood event:
Overtopping of defences all along the harbour front. Flats damaged on Porthmeor Beach; one with a smashed window required evacuation.
No of properties flooded: 15
Source of flooding: Fluvial Surface water Coastal Other
Main River Highways Tides Groundwater
Ordinary Sewers Waves Other watercourse
Agricultural Erosion
Other
Relevant authority Interest / notes
Cornwall Council Coastal Authority. Responsibility.
Environment Agency Responsibilities for flooding from the sea
South West Water
Private/community
Other
Further actions: Are any further actions required? No Who?
What?
Is there further information available on No record?