Tidal wave causes damage to Thurso riverside wall

Damage to the wall

A tidal wave, reportedly about 2 metres high, swept up Thurso river yesterday during high tide and the force tossed part of a concrete wall onto a road.

Fifteen metres or so of the four concrete block high wall next to the slipway at the Riverside car park was tossed into the air and landed on the access road causing sea water to flood through the breached wall onto the surface of the road.  During the storms a lot of debris was deposited on the esplanade and riverside area but sand bags were in place so it’s understood that none of the properties suffered any water damage.

No one was injured during the incident which happened yesterday morning during high tide. The road was closed for a short time to allow the council to carry out emergency repairs. Concrete blocks have been put across the top of the old slipway as a temporary measure and the road is fully reopened. 

The clear up work in the town has begun. Staff will be assessing the damage to the slipway wall in detail and then making their recommendations.

The area after the clear-up with temporary concrete blocks in place