Kent Coast: Prepare For Flooding

3 November 2013, 18:29 | Updated: 3 November 2013, 18:38

The Environment Agency is advising communities along the South East coast to be prepared for possible flooding over the next 24 hours due to forecast high winds and large waves.

The weather forecast suggests that conditions will be unsettled along the Kent coasts, with peak high spring tides and potential gale force winds combining with a significant storm surge to create conditions that might affect coastal areas when high tide arrives late Sunday evening and again Monday morning.
 
A frontal system is expected to move across the South East on Sunday evening that could bring widespread rainfall, with strong south-westerly gale force winds expected.
 
Environment Agency staff have been out over the weekend inspecting beaches in advance of the high tides, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. There is a possibility that Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings could be issued. Up-to-date information is available on the Environment Agency website.
 
Ian Nunn, Operations Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Gale force winds, high spring tides, and stormy conditions have combined to create conditions that could have an impact along the South East coast. Those who live in coastal communities in Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight should think about the precautions they can take to limit the damage a flood can cause to themselves and their property.
 
“The Environment Agency are monitoring the forecast and our staff have been out over the weekend inspecting beaches and checking our assets, and we have been working with our partners to ensure everyone is well prepared.
 
"I would encourage people to be prepared. Sign up to receive free flood warnings on the Environment Agency website, follow @EnvAgencySE and #floodaware on Twitter, and check weather reports on the Met Office website."