The first sign of flooding in Ipswich came when the River Orwell came over The Strand on the main route to the Shotley peninsula last night.

East Anglian Daily Times: The flood waters rising on the Waterfront in Ipswich by the Jerwood Dance House. Cars are quickly moved as the waters riseThe flood waters rising on the Waterfront in Ipswich by the Jerwood Dance House. Cars are quickly moved as the waters rise (Image: Archant)

This is not unusual – but the flooding began three hours before high tide, and the road was left impassable.

East Anglian Daily Times: The flood waters rising on the Waterfront in Ipswich by the Jerwood Dance HouseThe flood waters rising on the Waterfront in Ipswich by the Jerwood Dance House (Image: Archant)

Then shortly before midnight the River Orwell burst its banks near the Waterfront in Ipswich and spectacularly blew manhole covers near the Dance East building.

Stoke Bridge was closed to southbound traffic and crowds gathered to watch the rising waters.

Burrell Road, Commerical Road and Neptune Quay were also under water, said Suffolk police.

But the water quickly subsided, and the flood risk passed.

The high tide also affected Felixstowe seafront – and encouraged some intrepid local residents to visit the seafront to see the high water.

And in Woodbridge residents were told to ignore early warnings to leave their homes.

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