The Great Flood of 1953 - A personal account by Gerry Skinner

: On the 31st of January 1953, high tides, strong winds, and low air pressure combined to raise sea levels in the North Sea, sending a storm surge with up to 20ft (6m) waves south along the east coast. Sea defences were overpowered, and the east coast of England experienced widespread flooding - still remembered today as ‘The Great Flood’. Gerry was just 5 years old when the flood hit Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, however, he remembers that night well. Here Gerry shares his story of that fateful night. Check your flood risk. Sign up for free flood warnings. Know what to do in a flood. Search ‘prepare for flooding’.