Due to extensive flood prevention work along the east coast following the catastrophic 1953 floods, the financial impact of the 1978 floods was much reduced although harbours, moored vessels, piers, roads and railway lines were severely damaged. The Ouse overflowed onto The Quays, leaving Kings Lynn town centre underwater and in Wells-next-the-Sea a 300-ton coaster was left stranded on Wells Quay car park when the waters receded.