Walcott and Ostend are on flood alert with the combination of high tide, a sea surge and high winds putting the coastline at risk.

North Norfolk News: George King prepares his house on Helena Road, Walcott for the predicted storm.Picture: ANTONY KELLYGeorge King prepares his house on Helena Road, Walcott for the predicted storm.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

E A spokesman Vanessa Winters said winds were likely to hit gale force 9 later but the 'wind direction is working for us' as it was blowing along the coast from the west rather than straight at it from the north.

The tide level was normal for the time of year, and the sea defences damaged by last year's sea surge were now in 'the same state or better' than last winter.

There was likely to be over-topping of sea walls and wet promenade roads, but property flooding was unlikely.

EA officials had been talking to the communities affected. Although they were 'not anticipating anything on the scale of last year' it was better to be prepared.

She encouraged people to follow the Twitter feed @envagencyanglia for updates.

In Cley the cattle have been moved off the reserve in preparation for tonight's high tide.

Kevin Hart, head of reserves at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: 'We are erring on the side of caution. The machinery and livestock have been moved off the reserve.'

However he said it was more as a precaution measure, and he was not expecting water levels similar to the storms last December.

North Norfolk District Council coastal engineer Brian Farrow said he had confidence in the repairs to the sea defences at Cromer. 'All the priority works have been done and I am confident they will stand up,' he said.

Contractors repairing the sea wall at Cromer have moved the plant off the beach.

The Environment Agency had issued its first flood warning covering the Norfolk coast from Keswick to Ostend including Walcott.

Properties are at risk on Sea View, Ann Stannard Way, Keswick Way, Walcott Road in Keswick. The Coast Road, St Helen's Road, Helena Road, Poplar Drive, Archibald Drive, Lynton Road, The Crescent and Ostend Place in Walcott. Seaview Crescent, Ostend Gap, Ostend Road and Horizon Views in Ostend.

The forecast high water is due at Cromer at 6.45pm.

To keep up to date with EA warnings, visit environment-agency.gov.uk.