Record Storm Surge 2013 - North Norfolk landscape photography

As predicted the storm surge last night was incredibly dramatic and horribly devastating.  In the 40 years I've lived in Sheringham I've never seen waves like those last night and the destruction became evident at first light this morning with the next high tide already rolling in.  At Sheringham huge chunks of the seafront promenade had been torn up, the hand railings twisted like wire.  Many beach front buildings suffered huge damage, particularly the beach cafe belonging to a friend of mine which was pretty much gutted (image below).    The 100 year old wreck of the Ispolen was unceremoniously lifted & dumped on the stones with some of her ribs smashed off.At Cromer the destruction continued with huge damage to Cromer pier and all of the East end beach huts smashed to pieces, very sad to see the hut owners trying to find their possessions amongst the debris.  The below photos are a testament to the huge power of the sea and how vulnerable we are here on the North Norfolk coast...