UPDATED: Worst East Coast Tidal Surge In 60 Years

Update 14:00 Thursday. 
The Environment agency are now advising that the tidal surge is expected to the the worst in 60 years..

Communities along the North Sea coast from Northumberland down to the Thames Estuary and Kent, in addition to those on the Irish Sea coast from Cumbria down to Cheshire, could see significant coastal flooding later today and into Friday. The coastline from Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk to Clacton, Essex, is particularly at risk, including Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

Please take heed if you are in an affected region - evacuations are taking place.

Please check the Environment agency website for the latest

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The Environment Agency are advising communities along the length of the East coast to prepare for the worst tidal surge in 30 years, with the following areas most at risk:
 

These include the North Sea coast from Northumberland down to the Thames Estuary and Kent.
The tidal reaches of the River Trent, Nottinghamshire, could also be affected.
And on the west coast, from Cumbria down to Cheshire, severe gales and large waves combined with high water levels are also expected tomorrow (Thursday).
The Environment Agency will be closing the Thames Barrier on Thursday night to defend London, in addition to operating other defences including those at Colne in Essex and Hull.
Natural Resources Wales, the organisation which leads on flooding in Wales, is urging people along the north Wales coast between eastern Anglesey and Liverpool to be prepared for flooding on Thursday.
Dr Paul Leinster, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said: 'Gale force winds and large waves along the east coast of England are forecast during Thursday and Friday, coinciding with high tides and a significant coastal surge'.
'Flooding of some coastal communities is expected and some defences could be overtopped by the combined effect of high tides, high winds and a tidal surge.'
'Coastal paths and promenades will be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of people being swept out to sea.'

'The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the emergency services, Met Office and local authorities. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground checking that flood defences and barriers are in good working order, monitoring sea levels and issuing flood warnings.'

For more information please visit the Environment Agency flood warnings page (updated every 15 minutes).