Incoming tidal surge in SE England.

Dartzap · Post by **Dartzap** » 2007-11-08 01:08pm

Flooding 'may put lives at risk'
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 flood alerts are a response to weather and tide patterns being tracked this week by the Environment Agency and the Met Office.

'Act now'

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.

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."

From the north Kent coast around to Sandwich and Deal, people are being asked to keep an eye on the weather and tides.

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.

The Environment Agency and Met Office will be constantly assessing the tidal and storm situation throughout Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Well, I hope anyone around there takes cover, heh.

Kanastrous · Post by **Kanastrous** » 2007-11-08 01:49pm

Keep dry, guys...

Dartzap · Post by **Dartzap** » 2007-11-08 02:04pm

If the predictions are true, this is going to hit Holland harder - so to any Dutch members, good luck and head for the hills!

CJvR · Post by **CJvR** » 2007-11-09 02:16am

Dartzap wrote:...so to any Dutch members, good luck and head for the hills!

What hills?

Bounty · Post by **Bounty** » 2007-11-09 03:38am

The Dutch are prepared this time, unlike in '53. The whole coast is on alert and the flood defenses have been locked down (even the Rotterdam gate, which had to be closed for the first time ever).

Is this going to affect the same areas in the UK the recent floods did?

Androsphinx · Post by **Androsphinx** » 2007-11-09 05:34am

Tide fears recede as surge passes

Fears of widespread flooding in eastern England have diminished as tides peaked without major breaches of sea defences.
High water in the Norfolk town of Great Yarmouth passed without major damage being caused, and people have been told they can return to their homes.

The Environment Agency said surge levels were expected to be nearly 8in (20cm) lower than originally feared.

But residents living along the Kent coast have been told to remain vigilant as high tides are expected later.

In Suffolk, the sea has threatened homes in Walberswick, while tides are passing the town of Lowestoft.

Water is also seeping underneath wooden sea defence gates in Felixstowe.

Meanwhile, north Kent residents have been told to be vigilant.

On Friday morning, the Thames Barrier was being closed as a precaution and the Thames has been declared all clear.

[snip]

However, Environment Agency chief executive Baroness Young said the worst appeared to be over.

Norfolk Police said water had breached flood defences in the centre of Great Yarmouth but there was "no risk to persons or property".