On This Day: Lynmouth flood of 1952
Today marks the 65th anniversary of the Lynmouth flood. On 15 - 16 August 1952, an intense storm occurred over southwest England, depositing 229 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours.
Thunderstorms associated with an orographically-enhanced cold front deposited torrential rain onto already saturated soils and impermeable rock in Exmoor, Devon. Floodwaters carried debris down the steep northern slope of the moor, channelling water into the village of Lynmouth – the confluence of the East and West Lyn rivers. A dam formed of fallen trees in the upper West Lyn valley gave way, sending a huge volume of water and debris down the river.
More than 100 buildings were damaged or destroyed along with 28 bridges. Cars were washed out to sea and the lighthouse collapsed. Sadly 34 people lost their life and 420 were made homeless.
