Flood Alert – Monday 8th April 2024
A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.
Flood Alert in force: The Suffolk and Essex coast from Felixstowe to Clacton including Orwell and Stour estuaries.
Flooding is possible for: The Suffolk and Essex coast from Felixstowe to Clacton, including Ipswich, and the Orwell and Stour estuaries.
Be prepared.
This message has been issued because some minor flooding to coastal roads and footpaths is likely between 11:30 and 13:30 today Monday 8th April. The flood gates at Felixstowe seafront will be closed. The waterfront at Pin Mill, and The Strand at Wherstead under the Orwell Bridge may be flooded. Water may be on the quay at Mistley. The detailed forecast for those that use it is for a peak level at Harwich of 2.88 mAODN at 12:30 today, Monday 8th April, which is 0.73m above tide tables, wind Force 4, in a south easterly direction (mAODN is height above average sea level, for more info refer to local tide tables). The tide tonight, at half past midnight, Tuesday 9th April is also currently forecast to be a Flood Alert, we will send a new message before that tide. Take care on coastal roads and footpaths, and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate. We will update this message by 15:00 today, Monday 8th April.
To check the latest information for your area
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* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/054WACDV4B
* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 213586.
* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.
* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.
What you should consider doing now
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* Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.
* Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.
* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
* Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.
* Businesses should inform staff and customers about the situation.
* Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
* In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.
* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.
* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.