Fierce storms and torrential rain caused havoc across Devon with winds reaching gusts of up to 85 miles per hour and waves crashing up to 50 feet high along the south coast.

As waves the height of four storey buildings hit the coast, roads were closed and people were warned to stay indoors.

Towns and villages all along Devon's south coast suffered storm damage and flooding on two consecutive nights on 27trh and 28th October 2004.

The severe conditions were caused by a rare combination of high Spring tides, torrential rain, gale force winds and low pressure.

Flooding at Youngs Park in Goodrington.

The seafronts at Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth and Sidmouth were all closed because of high waves and debris.

In Torbay, it was described as a "once-in-25-years" storm by the Environment Agency.

The high tides and huge winds tore away chunks of the sea wall and even carried cars from Torquay seafront to Torre Abbey Meadows.

Youngs Park in Goodrington was battered by the winds and waves. At some points the water almost reached the rooftops of seafront shelters.

Some businesses on Paignton Pier won't be able to reopen until next season.

Beach huts at Dawlish were torn to shreds.

Torbay Council estimates the final repair will may well exceed £1 million and will be seeking financial help from the government.

Nearly 30 beach huts on Dawlish seafront were ripped apart by storms.

Debris from the 27 cabins was strewn hundreds of yards along the railway track and right into the town.

Only one of the 28 huts remained upright and that was found more than 20ft from its original position.

Crowds of onlookers ignored warnings to stay away from the fierce seas. Coastguards said people were risking their lives taking part in 'wave dodging'.

A gaping hole in the sea wall at Dawlish ripped open by the sea.

Homeowners and shopkeepers in Dartmouth were also forced to batten down the hatches as the high tide threatened to breach doorsteps.

Coastguards stations from Falmouth to Brixham deployed 16 rescue teams to help other emergency services.

Train services were severely disrupted following the breakdown of two trains after waves swamped the coastal line.

More than 100 people had to be rescued from the stranded trains on the rail line between Teignmouth and Dawlish.

First published: 28th October 2004