1978 North Sea storm surge was a storm surge which occurred over 11 – 12 January causing extensive coastal flooding and considerable damage on the east coast of England between the Humber and Kent . Higher water levels were reached than during the devastating North Sea flood of 1953 from North Shields to King 's Lynn , but values were lower towards the Thames . Locally severe flooding occurred in Lincolnshire , The Wash , north Norfolk and Kent . Improvements in flood protection following the devastating flood of 1953 meant that the catastrophic losses seen during that storm were not repeated . The storm caused severe damage to many piers along the east coast of England
North Sea flood of 1953
North Sea flood of 1953
1978 North Sea storm surge