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Flood threat as snow and wintry weather grip UK Flood threat as snow and wintry weather grip UK
(35 minutes later)
Severe flood warnings are in place along the eastern coast of England, amid fears thousands of homes are at risk from a storm surge. Severe flood warnings are in place on the eastern coast of England amid fears thousands of homes are at risk, as snow and strong winds hit much of the UK.
The Environment Agency said the morning tide was not as high as expected but it has issued severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life - for later. The Environment Agency, which says high tides and strong winds could lead to flooding, has issued severe flood warnings - meaning danger to life.
An evacuation was planned for Jaywick, Essex, this morning, while an operation is due in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Evacuations are under way in Jaywick, Essex, and Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Snow, ice and high winds have affected much of the UK, causing travel problems and schools closures in some areas.
It comes as the Met Office has warned of high winds, snow and ice on Friday.It comes as the Met Office has warned of high winds, snow and ice on Friday.
The Environment Agency's severe flood warnings - its highest possible alert - are in place for coastal areas of Norfolk and Suffolk. The Environment Agency's severe flood warnings - its highest possible alert - are in place for coastal areas of Norfolk and Suffolk, where there are fears there could be a storm surge.
More than 80 floods warnings and almost 80 flood alerts are also in place. More than 80 floods warnings - meaning immediate action is require - and almost 80 flood alerts are also in place.
The agency said high tide levels - due to spring tides and a tidal surge - combined with gale force winds will cause "large waves and sea spray resulting in potential damage to flood defences and flooding of property".The agency said high tide levels - due to spring tides and a tidal surge - combined with gale force winds will cause "large waves and sea spray resulting in potential damage to flood defences and flooding of property".
High water is due in many areas at about 21:45 GMT. Dozens more flood warnings have been issued along the east coast. High water is due in many areas at about 21:45 GMT.
Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the first tide to hit the coast on Friday was "slightly under the height that we expected".Environment Agency chief executive Sir James Bevan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the first tide to hit the coast on Friday was "slightly under the height that we expected".
"The second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated," he added."The second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated," he added.
"And so we will stay very active throughout the day on the ground, we will continue to warn and inform the communities that are at risk.""And so we will stay very active throughout the day on the ground, we will continue to warn and inform the communities that are at risk."
Army on standbyArmy on standby
Ahead of the potential storm surge, police officers were going door-to-door in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, to inform residents of the potential need to leave their homes. About 2,500 could be affected, officials have said.Ahead of the potential storm surge, police officers were going door-to-door in Jaywick, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, to inform residents of the potential need to leave their homes. About 2,500 could be affected, officials have said.
Leaflets warned households their properties "could be flooded by sea water up to a depth of three metres".Leaflets warned households their properties "could be flooded by sea water up to a depth of three metres".
About 5,000 properties near Great Yarmouth are due to be evacuated from 10:00 GMT by police and the Army.About 5,000 properties near Great Yarmouth are due to be evacuated from 10:00 GMT by police and the Army.
The Suffolk Resilience Forum said there are about 1,880 properties at high risk of flooding in the county.The Suffolk Resilience Forum said there are about 1,880 properties at high risk of flooding in the county.
Elsewhere in the UK:Elsewhere in the UK:
Further up the coast, the Ministry of Defence said about 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base had been deployed to Skegness, Lincolnshire, where about 3,000 residents have been urged to leave their homes or move upstairs.Further up the coast, the Ministry of Defence said about 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base had been deployed to Skegness, Lincolnshire, where about 3,000 residents have been urged to leave their homes or move upstairs.
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."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."
The flood warnings follow wintery weather on Thursday across large parts of the UK.The flood warnings follow wintery weather on Thursday across large parts of the UK.
In Scotland, snow has caused disruption on the roads. The A93 has been closed south of Braemar, while speed restrictions are in place due to high winds on the Forth Road Bridge and the Skye Bridge.In Scotland, snow has caused disruption on the roads. The A93 has been closed south of Braemar, while speed restrictions are in place due to high winds on the Forth Road Bridge and the Skye Bridge.
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
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