The Environment Agency has issued multiple severe flood warnings – its highest category – ahead of the most serious coastal tidal surge for over 60 years in England. Over 200 flood warnings are now in place across England and Wales.
Communities along the North Sea coast from Northumberland down to the Thames Estuary and Kent, in addition to those on the Irish Sea coast from Cumbria down to Cheshire, could see significant coastal flooding later today and into Friday. The coastline from Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk to Clacton, Essex, is particularly at risk, including Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.
Evacuations are taking place in some areas, including Great Yarmouth, by the emergency services with the public being urged to follow any instructions by the police.
Severe flood warnings are currently in place across Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk. People along the eastern coast, and some parts of the north west coast, are being urged to take urgent action to prepare for flooding today and into the early hours of Friday.
The Environment Agency is likely to issue further severe flood warnings in the coming hours. Some defences could be overtopped by the combined effect of high tides, high winds and a large tidal surge.
As at 6.00pm today, there are 46 severe flood warnings, 121 flood warnings and 67 flood alerts in place across England and Wales.
Sea levels could be higher than in 1953 flood disaster
In some areas, sea levels could be higher than those during the devastating floods of 1953. However, flood defences built since then – including the Thames and Hull Barriers – mean that many parts of the country are much better protected than in 1953.
The Environment Agency will be closing its Thames Barrier tonight to defend London, in addition to operating numerous other defences such as those at Colne in Essex and Kings Lynn in Norfolk.
Farmers are also being urged to protect their livestock and consider moving them out of affected areas.
John Curtin, the Environment Agency’s Head of Incident Management, said:
“Flooding of coastal communities along the eastern and north west coasts is expected today and into Friday. Some defences could be overtopped by the combined effect of high tides, high winds and a large tidal surge.
“People are being urged to check the Environment Agency website or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood outlook, and to sign up to receive free flood warnings.”
The Environment Agency is continuing to monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the emergency services, Met Office and local authorities.
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