1950s: Lynmouth Floods, Devon, UK

© Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images

The residents of Lynmouth, north Devon had been experiencing an exceptionally rainy summer when an enormous wave tore their community apart. On the night of 15 August 1952, after nine inches (23cm) of rain fell in 24 hours, a destructive wall of water surged down a narrow valley from Exmoor, uprooting trees and boulders on its way. Buildings and bridges were obliterated and cars were swept away to sea. Thirty-four people also lost their lives in the disaster.

Historic weather events that shocked the world (msn.com)

1950s: Lynmouth Floods, Devon, UK The residents of Lynmouth, north Devon had been experiencing an exceptionally rainy summer when an enormous wave tore their community apart. On the night of 15 August 1952, after nine inches (23cm) of rain fell in 24 hours, a destructive wall of water surged down a narrow valley from Exmoor, uprooting trees and boulders on its way. Buildings and bridges were obliterated and cars were swept away to sea. Thirty-four people also lost their lives in the disaster.