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Tidal surge expected in Channel Flooding 'may put lives at risk'
(about 1 hour later)
A tidal surge down the English Channel 5ft (1.5m) above normal sea levels is expected and could lead to flooding, the Environment Agency has warned. Severe flood warnings are in place on parts of the east coast of England, with the Environment Agency warning of "extreme danger to life and property".
A tidal surge caused by strong winds and low pressure is expected in the English Channel, reaching up to 9.5ft (2.89m) above normal sea levels.
Norfolk and Suffolk have six severe flood warnings. Parts of Kent have also been put on alert over the surge.
The Dartford Creek and Thames barriers are likely to be closed in London.The Dartford Creek and Thames barriers are likely to be closed in London.
Residents along the Kent coast, from the north of the county to Sandwich and Deal, could wake up to localised flooding, spokesman Brian Vinall said. The flood alerts are a response to weather and tide patterns being tracked this week by the Environment Agency and the Met Office.
Any cars parked at Sandwich Quay could be damaged, and Dover District Council has been alerted, he added. 'Act now'
We all need to be vigilant Brian Vinall, Environment Agency It has led to six severe flood warnings, five flood warnings and 19 flood watches nationally, concentrated on Norfolk, Suffolk and the north Kent coast.
People have been asked to keep an eye on both the weather and the tides from Thursday night until Friday lunchtime. The severe warnings in place between Winterton, Norfolk; and Aldeburgh, Suffolk; carry an Environment Agency alert stating: "Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now."
Mr Vinall, flood incident management team leader, said: "We all need to be vigilant." From the north Kent coast around to Sandwich and Deal, people are being asked to keep an eye on the weather and tides.
He said there could be localised flooding, but most places were expected to come through the night "unscathed". The impact there is expected to be less severe - with predicted tides 5ft (1.5m) above average - but there is still a risk of localised flooding.
He added: "We would urge anyone who receives a flood warning to check that their neighbours are aware of the warning. The Environment Agency and Met Office will be constantly assessing the tidal and storm situation throughout Thursday evening and Friday morning.
"We will also have Environment Agency staff out warning people if the risk of flooding does get worse."