Flood alerts issued across Suffolk and Essex as wind and high tides set for tonight

The Environment Agency has issued flood alerts across the East of England coastline, where the combination of high tides and strong winds means flooding is possible.

High tides are due at Lowestoft around 10.30pm tonight, with the stretch of coast from Felixstowe to Clacton expecting high tides at around 1am tomorrow morning.

David Kemp, coastal team leader at the Environment Agency said that some areas along the River Orwell had experienced some small flooding this morning, near the Ipswich Waterfront and Pin Mill, but said this was normal for the tides at this time of year.

“Low lying land and roads are at risk of flooding, and that is exactly what we have seen in the Orwell estuary,” he said.

High tide is expected to sweep down the coast in Suffolk and north Essex mostly between midnight and 1am, but EA workers had been carrying out checks this morning and would continue to do so through tomorrow morning.

Flood alerts are the lowest level of warning, and means that flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

Three flood warnings – one category up from a flood alert – have been issued, with the Waterfront in Maldon, Mersea Island and areas around Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey quay having had warnings issued.

Mr Kemp added: “We are not really expecting property to flood but it will be higher than usual.”

High tides tonight are expected to be no more than half a metre above where they would normally be.

Those who live along areas in flood alert zones have been advised to make sure vehicles are not left in exposed areas and to be vigilant, but shouldn’t expect any problems.

Some flooding around Pin Mill this morning meant water neared the Butt & Oyster pub, but staff there reported that it wasn’t out of the ordinary for the tides at this time of year.

The weather forecast for tonight into tomorrow is predicting winds of around 15mph, but Friday is expected to be mostly sunny.