The Environment Agency has issued its most severe flood warnings along the coast of East Anglia as the region braces itself for heavy storms.

Twenty severe flood warnings were issued this morning from north Norfolk right the way down to West Mersea in Essex.

Severe flood warnings are the most serious warnings the Environment Agency can issue, with the flooding posing a danger to life unless action is taken.

Surges almost two metres high are expected to start battering north Norfolk at around 8pm tonight.

Great Yarmouth should be hit at around 10.30pm, while Lowestoft, Aldeburgh, Snape and Southwold will be hit at 10.45pm by similarly high surges of water as tide levels reach three metres above average.

Felixstowe is expected to be affected at around 1am on Friday, with the storm expected to reach north Essex at around 1.15am.

There are a further 36 flood warnings along the coast, where flooding is expected, and 18 flood alerts where flooding is possible.

People living in the affected areas should call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest flood warnings in their area.

The Environment Agency web site at www.environment-agency.gov.uk contains lots of help and advice on how to prepare for flooding.

Keep an eye on our website for the latest updates.