This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38605842

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Tidal surge threat as snow and heavy winds grip UK Tidal surge threat as snow and heavy winds grip UK
(35 minutes later)
Severe flood warnings are in place on England's east coast and homes are being evacuated as emergency services brace themselves for a storm surge.Severe flood warnings are in place on England's east coast and homes are being evacuated as emergency services brace themselves for a storm surge.
There are 17 of the Environment Agency warnings - meaning there is a threat to life - in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.There are 17 of the Environment Agency warnings - meaning there is a threat to life - in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Residents in Jaywick, Essex, and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk have been told to leave their homes immediately ahead of high tides on Friday evening. Residents in Jaywick, Essex, and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk have been told to leave their homes immediately ahead of high tides.
It comes as snow, ice and winds have caused travel problems across the UK.
High tide is due in many areas at about 21:45 GMT.High tide is due in many areas at about 21:45 GMT.
Elsewhere, there are more than 80 flood warnings - meaning immediate action is required - and more than 50 flood alerts in place. Elsewhere, there are more than 80 flood warnings - meaning immediate action is required - and more than 70 flood alerts in place.
The government's flood information service predicts gale force winds will cause large waves, resulting in "potential damage to flood defences and flooding of property". The government's flood information service has predicted that gale force winds will cause large waves, resulting in "potential damage to flood defences and flooding of property".
It comes as the Met Office has warned of high winds, snow and ice on Friday. There are yellow warnings of ice in place across the UK for the rest of Friday and Saturday. However, the tidal surge passed without incident in Skegness, Lincolnshire, and waters levels are dropping in other areas including Boston, Lincolnshire, and Withernsea, Yorkshire.
It comes after snow, ice and winds caused travel problems across the UK, with the Met Office warnings of high winds, snow and ice on Friday. There are yellow warnings of ice in place across the UK for the rest of Friday and Saturday.
Evacuate 'immediately'Evacuate 'immediately'
Essex Police are telling residents in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea, near Clacton-on-Sea, to leave their homes "immediately" and to "comply with police instructions".Essex Police are telling residents in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea, near Clacton-on-Sea, to leave their homes "immediately" and to "comply with police instructions".
Officials say about 2,500 homes and properties in the county could be affected by flooding, with the evening high tide expected there at around midnight.Officials say about 2,500 homes and properties in the county could be affected by flooding, with the evening high tide expected there at around midnight.
Leaflets were delivered to homes on Friday morning warning people that their properties "could be flooded by sea water up to a depth of three metres".Leaflets were delivered to homes on Friday morning warning people that their properties "could be flooded by sea water up to a depth of three metres".
By mid-afternoon, an educational centre in Tendring, Essex - which had been set up to cater for those evacuated from Jaywick - had registered 85 of its residents. By early evening, an educational centre in Tendring, Essex - which had been set up to cater for those evacuated from Jaywick - had registered about 140 of its residents.
Nigel Brown, from Tendring Council, said there was room for 1,000 people and explained that, while the lunchtime high tide had not led to any significant problems, they were ready for the next high tide at about 23:00 GMT.Nigel Brown, from Tendring Council, said there was room for 1,000 people and explained that, while the lunchtime high tide had not led to any significant problems, they were ready for the next high tide at about 23:00 GMT.
Residents in approximately 5,000 properties near Great Yarmouth have also been told to leave their homes.Residents in approximately 5,000 properties near Great Yarmouth have also been told to leave their homes.
The number of properties affected could rise to 7,000, with high water due at Great Yarmouth at 21.30 GMT. The number of properties affected could rise to 7,000, with high water due at Great Yarmouth at 21:30 GMT.
BBC News correspondent Alex Dunlop said police in Great Yarmouth knocked on 5,000 doors, representing about 15,000 people, to try to persuade them to evacuate their homes.
About 60-70% refused and insisted on staying, our correspondent said, though some may be making their own arrangements to leave.
Norfolk Police said earlier that about 80 people were being evacuated from the village of Walcott.
Meanwhile, the Suffolk Resilience Forum said there were about 1,880 properties at high risk of flooding in the county.Meanwhile, the Suffolk Resilience Forum said there were about 1,880 properties at high risk of flooding in the county.
People are being told to "take care near coastal defences and avoid coastal paths and promenades."People are being told to "take care near coastal defences and avoid coastal paths and promenades."
And East Riding of Yorkshire Council earlier began evacuating about 30 properties at risk of flooding in the town.
Weather disruption across the UK:Weather disruption across the UK:
In anticipation of the storms, the Environment Agency has installed more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and sent 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast. In anticipation of the storms, the Environment Agency installed more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and sent 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast.
Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier that the first tide to hit the coast on Friday was "slightly under the height that we expected". Floods minister Therese Coffey said: "Clearly these 17 severe flood warnings are a real indication that people need to take this surge seriously.
"The second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated," he added. "I want to encourage people to respond to the calls for people, where they are at risk, to stay with friends or family or at rest centres.
Floods minister Therese Coffey said: "Our absolute priority is protecting lives, homes and businesses from the threat of coastal flooding currently facing the east coast." "Our priority is making sure people are safe tonight and that lives are saved."
What is a storm surge?What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is a change in sea level that is caused by a storm.A storm surge is a change in sea level that is caused by a storm.
The main cause of a storm surge is high winds pushing the sea water towards the coast, causing it to pile up there.The main cause of a storm surge is high winds pushing the sea water towards the coast, causing it to pile up there.
The strong winds in the storm generate large waves on top of the surge which can cause damage to sea defences, or spill over the top adding to the flood risk.The strong winds in the storm generate large waves on top of the surge which can cause damage to sea defences, or spill over the top adding to the flood risk.
Source: Met OfficeSource: Met Office
Do you live in regions affected by the adverse weather? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Do you live in regions affected by the adverse weather? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
Or use the form belowOr use the form below