Flood warnings have been issued for the north and west Norfolk coast.

North Norfolk News: An Environment Agency map of the food warnings on February 1, 2018. Image: Bing/Environment AgencyAn Environment Agency map of the food warnings on February 1, 2018. Image: Bing/Environment Agency (Image: Archant)

This evening (Thursday, February 1), tides are expected to be higher than usual and flooding is forecast between Blakeney and Sheringham, including Salthouse and east Cley, and at Wells-next-the-Sea.

The Environment Agency warning said flooding was also possible in low lying areas around King's Lynn and north to Hunstanton, and between Hunstanton and Blakeney.

There is also a flood risk around Eccles on Sea, Sea Palling and Horsey.

Areas most at risk around Wells are the Quay, East End and roads joining the Quay between the Flood Barrier and East End including, Unns Yard, Jicklings Yard, Staithe Street, Croft Yard and Standard Street.

North Norfolk News: Flooding is expected around parts of teh Norfolk coast Photo: Angela SharpeFlooding is expected around parts of teh Norfolk coast Photo: Angela Sharpe (Image: Archant © 2007)

Flooding is also expected along Coast Road in Salthouse and, Coast Road in Cley, and the Salthouse and Cley marshes. High water at Cromer is due at 7pm.

The warning added: 'Flooding is possible between two hours either side of high water. Take care on coastal footpaths.'

Wells - 'If you have to watch, do so at a distance'

https://twitter.com/FloodAlerts_NFK/status/959015514977783808

The Wells flood barrier was due to be closed this evening.

Mike Strong, who co-ordinates volunteer flood wardens in Wells, said the water would reach the back of the quay with the possibility of it spilling onto the road.

He said: 'It is anticipated there will be no danger to property at that level.'

High water in Wells is due at 7.15pm, and the Environment Agency said it should reach 4.01 metres over the average height above sea level, which is 0.81m above tide tables.

https://twitter.com/FloodAlerts_NFK/status/959015529779466240

Mr Strong said: 'They tell us there's a 20cm gap either way, but they are usually accurate to within one or two centimetres. When you consider the volume of water coming across the North Sea, that's pretty good. They say it will be lapping over the road at the worst.'

Mr Strong said it was common to get a number of 'storm tourists' in the town at high tides such as this, and a large part of their job would be to see that everyone stayed safe.

He said: 'Our concern will be to keep people away from the water and keep them from doing anything foolish.'

'Our advice would be that if you have to come and watch, do so at a distance.

'We don't anticipate any problems, but we are ready for them.'

Eccles on Sea to Winterton-on-Sea

Further around the coast, the water's height above sea level is forecast to be 3.06m, which is 0.55m above tide tables. The wind forecast is Force 6. The Environment Agency said it did not expect the situation to escalate, or to issue any further warning messages for the next tide. Flooding is possible two hours either side of high water.

A dangerous time of year

The week marks the 65th anniversary of the North Sea Flood of January 1953, which claimed more than 300 lives in England and more than 2,500 including those killed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and at sea.

For more details of flood warnings and alerts, visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings