Risk news

Thousands of people living and working in coastal areas of Norfolk are being warned of the possibility of evacuations next month because of floods.

With the highest tides in 20 years predicted during September and October, the Environment Agency is holding road shows to alert people in the most vulnerable, low-lying areas of East Anglia.

Householders were urged to register with the Agency to receive direct flood warnings, and a new Precautionary Evacuation Notice (PEN) system involving electronic signs, as well as siren warnings, has been put in place.

Experts fear that high winds and low pressure could lead to a storm surge, resulting in a tide up to 10ft higher than expected. Such conditions in 1953 led to the "great flood" that claimed more than 300 lives and flooded almost 100,000 hectares of land in eastern England.

PEN procedure
Peta Denham of the Environment Agency said: "It's really important that people prepare for flooding before a flood actually happens.

"Although flooding is dreadful, being prepared for it makes it easier to recover afterwards and means you don't lose irreplaceable items like family photos."

She added: "The PEN procedure we introduced last year gives even better warning to residents and visitors alike that flooding may occur in the PEN area.

"The road-shows are an ideal opportunity for people to find out more about the PEN and help keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

Flash floods
Meanwhile, families and businesses were mopping up tonight after a 30-minute deluge caused flash flooding in parts of a seaside town.

More than 100 calls were received by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service following the downpour in Eastbourne. Storm drains were left overflowing, some roads were made impassable and people in the town centre had to trudge through sewage-infested water due to the torrential rain.

The Arndale Shopping Centre in Eastbourne also had to be evacuated before the rainfall receded by mid-afternoon, a fire service spokesman said.

Some backstage areas of the Grade-II listed Congress Theatre and nearby Winter Garden Theatre were also affected, with the Congress lift shaft filled with more than 5ft of storm water.

Theatre general manager Gavin Davis said: "It was an unbelievable sight. Water was pouring down from the pavement and started building up at the windows. It was like being on a sinking ship and looking through the porthole."