THE Environment Agency has claimed Hull's tidal barrier helped save 19,000 homes in the city from flooding.
The combination of strong winds and extremely high tides caused a storm surge, which meant water in the Humber reached its highest levels since the tidal barrier was built.
Oliver Harmar, flood and coastal risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "We operated the Hull tidal barrier on Thursday to protect properties from the worst storm and tidal surge seen on the east coast in decades.
"The tide reached the highest level ever recorded at the barrier since it was built in the 1970s.
"The water was measured at 5.8m, close to the top of the barrier at 6m.
"We are really pleased with how the barrier has performed. The barrier, together with the flood defences along the Humber, protected about 100,000 homes and businesses from flooding in Hull."
Most of Hull is at risk of flooding from the sea, as more than 90 per cent of the city is below high tide level.
The high surge tide could have cost more than £230m in direct flood damage if the barrier was not there to protect the city.
The tidal barrier is used about 12 times a year, at times when high tides are expected to funnel surges of water into the River Hull.
The massive 212-tonne barrier gate can be deployed within 30 minutes of a flood warning.
With climate change and rising sea levels it is expected that the barrier will be used more often.
The initial decision to build the Hull Tidal Barrier followed severe tidal flooding to Hull city centre in 1969.
There have been 33 severe tidal surges since the barrier was constructed.
Hull City Council's portfolio holder for emergency planning, John Hewitt, said: "Thank God for the tidal barrier.
"It really did its job this week and saved a huge part of the city from flooding."
