Storm Doris: warning to risky wavedodgers
These were the dramatic scenes on Scarborough seafront when Storm Doris hit last week.
Much of Yorkshire was in the eye of the storm, with warnings of travel disruption, damage to buildings and flying debris across the county on Thursday February 23.
High winds of an estimated 70 miles per hour battered coastal towns.
The Coastguard issued a warning after “alarming” pictures of people ‘wave dodging’ emerged.
Storm Doris brought with it severe waves, with heavy seas lapping onto the road and path at Scarborough’s North Bay. But this didn’t stop some people from venturing too close to the heavy seas.
Bev Allen, duty controller for the UK Coastguard said: “The images of these young people dodging waves are alarming.
“With the arrival of Storm Doris, the seas have been unforgiving and we cannot stress enough that piers, rocks, harbours and the water’s edge are not safe places to be when the weather is bad.
“Playing chicken with waves is extremely dangerous. It can be slippery and because there is little to hold onto even a small wave can come out of nowhere and quickly wash you off and into the sea. Equally so, no photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.
“These young people are incredibly lucky to be uninjured. We would urge people to think carefully about the risks they take and be extremely careful when near any body of water during bad weather. If you see anyone in trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”