There have been 3 significant storms in West Cornwall during winter/spring 2015/16.

1. Storm Imogen. Easily the biggest sea of the winter, reaching 38' at Sevenstones, together with some wind damage. (Finally uploaded to my weather website http://www.turnstone-cottage.co.uk/StormImogen2016.pdf )

2. 'The Storm with no Name' in which several spots in Cornwall (& SW & S England) had the strongest winds of the winter.

3. Last Sunday, the most damaging storm of the winter Spring, with the worst sea conditions on the south coast. Run this video if you think I'm exagerating http://www.newsflare.com/video/68461...-over-sea-wall

Last Sunday the swell was not exceptional, neither was the wind speed - generally a F8 over the sea, but a combination of factors led to it being the most dangerous storm of the winter.

The persistence of the gale over 12 hours, combined with it's unusual & consistent direction and a high Spring tide was the reason. The onshore gale piled water into the Newlyn side of Mount's Bay, combined with considerable wave setup, led to the sea level being way above the normal spring high tide level.

It was the fact that the unusual nature of the storm led to the worst conditions being in places like Penzance, where properties and roads are near sea level, which made it so dangerous. Then of course, came the impressive thunderstorm.

So 3 notable storms, only 1 named. I had no expectation of the last one being named as named stores appear purely wind based, but the recent event demonstrate clearly that danger to life is rather different.

Several lucky escapes from cars engulfed by the sea in Penzance.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36015690


Graham
Penzance