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-england-norfolk-25228834

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Severe flood warnings issued in England as storm hits Severe flood warnings issued in England as storm hits
(about 2 hours later)
Residents in low lying parts of Norfolk have been told to prepare to leave their homes on Thursday night because of predicted floods. Hundred-mile-an-hour winds have battered parts of England, with thousands of people being evacuated due to the risk of flooding.
A tide of more than 6ft (1.8m) above the normal maximum is expected at 22:30 GMT caused by severe northerly winds, the Environment Agency said.A tide of more than 6ft (1.8m) above the normal maximum is expected at 22:30 GMT caused by severe northerly winds, the Environment Agency said.
Strong winds have affected areas further north with a lorry overturning and trapping a car in Newcastle. Strong winds have affected areas in the north with a lorry overturning and trapping a car in Newcastle.
And thousands of homes in Seaham, County Durham, are without power.And thousands of homes in Seaham, County Durham, are without power.
Matthew Philpott, from the Environment Agency, said: "There's some nasty weather in the North Sea at the moment with gusts of gale force north westerly winds coupled with spring floods and a large tidal surge. Matthew Philpott, from the Environment Agency, said: "There's some nasty weather in the North Sea at the moment with gusts of gale force north-westerly winds coupled with spring floods and a large tidal surge.
"They are all combining to give quite a risk of flooding.""They are all combining to give quite a risk of flooding."
Bridge closureBridge closure
Residents in the Cobholm Island and Southtown areas of Great Yarmouth have been warned to prepare to leave. Residents in Jaywick on the Essex coast have been told to leave by the fire brigade.
The first surges are expected on the north Norfolk coast at about 20:00 GMT with vulnerable places such as Wells Quay, Blakeney and Salthouses most at risk at this time. Chief fire officer David Johnson said 2,500 homes were being evacuated as flood levels are expected to reach half a metre from the top of the sea wall.
In Norfolk residents in the Cobholm Island and Southtown areas of Great Yarmouth have been warned to prepare to leave.
The first surges are expected on the north Norfolk coast at about 20:00 GMT with vulnerable places such as Wells Quay, Blakeney and Salthouses most at risk.
The surge is expected to proceed down the east coast into Suffolk with Lowestoft, Southwold and surrounding marshes under threat at about midnight.The surge is expected to proceed down the east coast into Suffolk with Lowestoft, Southwold and surrounding marshes under threat at about midnight.
In Greater Manchester a lorry has overturned on Barton Bridge, on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.In Greater Manchester a lorry has overturned on Barton Bridge, on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Two lanes have been closed and there was queuing traffic close to the shopping mall.
And another lorry overturned on Redheugh Bridge in Newcastle during the rush hour.And another lorry overturned on Redheugh Bridge in Newcastle during the rush hour.
Police said the bridge was likely to remain closed for the rest of the day.Police said the bridge was likely to remain closed for the rest of the day.
An Easyjet flight from Bristol to Edinburgh was diverted to Newcastle due to the high winds, but was struck by lightning on approach to the airport.
Easyjet said the flight was "equipped to safely withstand lightning and at no point was the safety of the flight compromised".
Elsewhere in England:Elsewhere in England:
People who have been warned of severe flooding should put into action their flood plan by getting their belongings to a place of safety and ensuring they have any medication they need, the Environment Agency said.
'Clog roads''Clog roads'
People who have been warned of severe flooding should put into action their flood plan by getting their belongings to a place of safety and ensuring they have any medication they need, the Environment Agency said.
If an evacuation becomes necessary the agency has asked people to prepare to leave early and to respond to instructions from emergency services staff.If an evacuation becomes necessary the agency has asked people to prepare to leave early and to respond to instructions from emergency services staff.
"We do not want everyone leaving for our emergency centres or relatives inland at the same time as this is likely to clog roads and make travel difficult," a spokesman said."We do not want everyone leaving for our emergency centres or relatives inland at the same time as this is likely to clog roads and make travel difficult," a spokesman said.
The threat of severe weather is already affecting some businesses and a few schools.The threat of severe weather is already affecting some businesses and a few schools.
Police in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are on alert to help the Environment Agency in an emergency period expected to last about 36 hours.Police in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are on alert to help the Environment Agency in an emergency period expected to last about 36 hours.
Norfolk's Deputy Chief Constable Charlie Hall said a "multi-agency co-ordinating group" had met twice to ensure appropriate plans and resources were in place.Norfolk's Deputy Chief Constable Charlie Hall said a "multi-agency co-ordinating group" had met twice to ensure appropriate plans and resources were in place.
"The group is planning for potential disruption for a prolonged period of up to 36 hours and households in those affected areas should be mindful of this," he said."The group is planning for potential disruption for a prolonged period of up to 36 hours and households in those affected areas should be mindful of this," he said.