An apocalyptic storm that hit the UK left Merseyside fearing its waterfront would become completely submerged by the surging tides.
On February 26, 1990, some of the worst flooding to hit Liverpool left people scrambling for safety as 85mph winds and giant waves smashed the Mersey coastline.
Such were the concerns for the power of the coming storm, workers from the three graces and other waterfront businesses were evacuated as fears of severe flooding grew.
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In preparation, the Pier Head was closed, ferry sailings were cancelled and buses instructed to stop short of the terminus in Liverpool city centre.
Sandbags were laid down to keep the River Mersey at bay, electricity was shut off and 4,000 workers were sent home before the afternoon.
They made their way towards the city centre's shops and pubs, but some joined the crowds that had flocked to the Pier Head to watch the powerful waves crashing over the sea wall.
As the spectacle grew, groups of sightseers were caught out by the flooding as the Mersey burst its banks, causing them to scramble to higher ground to avoid being swept away.
A coastguard was quoted to have said to a Liverpool ECHO reporter that day: "They just did not seem to recognise the danger they were in. We had to call the police to get them shifted."
Emergency services cleared people and cars from the area as the Pier Head was closed while the worst of the storm battered the coastline.
Across the Mersey, New Brighton was also devastated by the storm. Gale force winds sent an estimated 13million gallons of sea water flooding into the much loved open air swimming pool, destroying the much loved Art Deco attraction.
The Liverpool ECHO said it was miraculous only one serious injury on Merseyside was reported. This was when part of the roof of a building at the Pier Head blew off and crashed onto a passing car below.
Slightly further inland, a baby in Moreton was lucky to be alive after a chimney came crashing through the ceiling onto his parents' bed, crushing it under the weight as his nearby cot was showered with mortar and rubble as he slept.
And it wasn't just Merseyside that was affected, across Britain the storm went on to cause devastation.
Twelve people lost their lives as 100mph winds tore down power lines and trees, damaged buildings and turned over vehicles on the country's roads.
The storm of February 26 in 1990 was one of five storms that had wreaked havoc on the country within five months. Storm Eunice which will hit large areas of the country today is predicted to be the worst in 30 years.
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