Householders and business owners in low-lying areas of Felixstowe have spent the day preparing for whatever the threatened storm surge will throw at them.
At Felixstowe Ferry police, council officials and Environment Agency staff spent lunchtime making preparations for any serious surge.
Householders were warned early today about the potential danger they faced and businesses were getting advice on preparing their premises to minimise flood damage.
There was also advice given to householders in the Sea Road area of Felixstowe as the storm approached – the Environment Agency made calls from 6.30am warning people that they should be prepared to evacuate their homes if necessary.
One of those warned was Kevin Dalton, landlord of the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe Ferry – however he was hoping to see out the storm.
“We were advised that it might be best to evacuate at 6pm, but that was only advice and we’re not planning to abandon the building!
“It’s been here since 1465 and it’s survived everything that’s been thrown at it. It survived the 1953 floods.
“We will be staying here. I’ll keep an eye on what is happening while I’m watching the Test Match – we have had warnings before, we’ll keep an eye on the situation but I’m not making any rushed decisions.”
Mr Dalton said the pub would be open as normal this evening, but he warned customers not to leave their cars in the car park overnight because high tide is due at 1.20am.
If it does become apparent during the evening that the water is rising dangerously, he will customers to leave the pub.
Environment Agency engineers have been at Felixstowe Ferry during the day putting up barriers aimed at holding back any tidal surge.
Meanwhile Suffolk Coastal Council opened the Brackenbury Sports Centre as a refuge for anyone forced out of their homes.
For live coverage of the storm, click here: http://www.eadt.co.uk/floods/live-coverage
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