Storm surge hits Pagham Beach

Apparently a surge was anticipated due to atmospheric activity in the Atlantic....and it comes following two weeks work by Arun District Council to replenish a long stretch of beach abutting properties along East and West Front Road and ironically I understand they are pulling out today!

There was very little wind this morning at 7.30am  and all appeared calm. However as the tide came in during the morning it was apparent that it was rising  somewhat quicker than usual. By noon it was over-topping the spit in places and by high tide much of the foreshore was awash. The sea was coming very close to the frontage of the yacht club and pouring into the street. No major damage was caused but a very high percentage of the two weeks re-shingling was negated.

 David, a local photographer, split seconds before being engulfed!

The memorial stone outside the Yacht Club....usually well clear of a high tide.

Just as well the work by ADC had been done....but what next?

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At 4.00pm I took a wander along the beach towards the Little Lagoon and noted at least 15 foot of shingle had been washed away and these photos show just how far the tide had come up the trackway which only a few weeks ago had been shortened by the RSPB  following Storm Angus.

The scoured beach

The sea has never ever reached this spot before....certainly not in the last 31 years!