The Environment Agency are preparing to issue their highest flood warnings for the east of England.

That includes the Suffolk and Essex coast as far south as the Thames.

The Agency’s current warning level was raised at around 6pm from no warning at all to a Flood Alert.

This means if things go as predicted flooding will occur and people should prepare themselves.

The level will be raised to a Flood Warning when flooding is imminent. This could be announced tomorrow morning.

Agency staff have today been double checking flood defences to make sure they’re ready to cope with high tides resulting from winds as high as force eight.

High waters are expected along the east coast between 7.30pm Thursday at South Ferriby and 2.15am Friday at Southend and again between 7.45am Friday at South Ferriby and 2.45pm Friday at Southend.

Areas especially at risk are the Hunstanton and Heacham areas, Wells Quay, Salthouse and the coast from Clacton to West Mersea.

Sue Longstone, Environment Agency regional director said: “We are concerned that the predicted wind and tides could lead to flooding especially along the Norfolk and Essex coasts.

“Once the situation is more definite we will be issuing flood warnings if appropriate, but now is the time for people to check they are prepared in case of flooding and to keep a close eye on their local situation.”

Emergency Planners from the police, councils, Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Service are currently meeting and will be issuing updates.

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

For advice on how to prepare for flooding, tune into local radio and TV stations and keep an eye on local weather conditions.

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