HEAVY SEAS IN MOUNT'S BAY 14 April 1922

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A very heavy gale sprang from the south on Good Friday 14th April 1922, and heavy seas experienced in Mount's Bay.

Penzance suffered in this respect more than it has done for a considerable time past. The scene on the Promenade, from a spectacular point of view, was magnificent. The wind increased in velocity as the tide rose towards evening, and the breakers striking the sea wall, threw the spray as high as the Queen's Hotel. For considerable time certain parts of the Promenade were impassable, particularly the eastern end of South Terrace, where the whole road and the houses themselves were for some time, almost continuously obscured by the spray, which fell like a deluge.

Thanks to the foresight of the borough officials, the town workmen were at work earlier in the day clearing the drains, and to this fact it is due that the houses along the front were not swamped. The position was aggravated by the fact that Friday afternoon the tide was practically at the top of the spring, there being a normal height tide just over 17ft. With the wind blowing at such strength from a southerly direction, the height of the tide was increased, and the water rose to the level of the sea wall.
For hours along Marine-terrace and South-terrace, it was impossible to open the front doors, and at those houses where there was no back outlet, the residents were pinned indoors. At Wherry town, too, the road was impassable. The wind gradually veered to the westward, and there was a magnificent sweep of breakers along the Eastern Green.
Sandy Bank felt the full force of the weather, the seas constantly breaking over the road and houses. Rarely have bigger seas struck the extension pier, the lighthouse being constantly obscured by the spray. The tide rose to the level of the wharf near the station, and it was possible to float a boat from, the harbour on to the wharf. Fortunately, no wrecks had been reported in the Bay.

It is stated that the roof of a house at Wherrytown collapsed.

Considerable anxiety was felt at the harbour. One boat broke adrift, but was secured, and smaller boats filled and sank.
 
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