FLOODING LATEST: Southend still at risk of flooding

The forecast high water is due at Southend tomorrow (Friday) at 1.30pm. This warning is in force until 3.30pm tomorrow.

Properties are at risk in the Gunners Park area, Shoebury Common and the Southchurch Park area.

Flooding is also expected for Western Esplanade and properties on Chalkwell Esplanade.

In a nutshell, three amber flood alerts have been issued meaning residents should "take immediate action" to protect their homes.

High water is due at Southend at 1.30pm and will be in force until 3.30pm.

Properties are at risk in Creeksea, Ferry Road on Wallasea, Havengore Island and all properties on Foulness including those in Churchend and Courtsend are at risk.

Flooding is expected to affect up to 100 properties in this area. 

Hullbridge properties are at risk next to the river at the bottom of Ferry Road, Tower Park and the Dome Caravan Park.

Flooding is expected to affect up to 210 properties in this area.

Residents can call their local council or visit a local DIY store or building supplies shop, to request sandbags to prevent flooding.

Southend Council is on 01702 215000.

Castle Point Council is on 01268 882200.

The red warning reads: "Extreme weather conditions will lead to a high risk of flooding. The forecast high water is due at Southend on 13th January 2017 at 1.30pm. This warning is in force until 3.30pm on the 13th January 2017. The predicted astronomical tide level is 2.96m AODN. The forecast surge height is 1.57 m. The forecast tide level is 4.53 m AODN. The forecast wind direction is North West. The forecast wind strength is force 8. Properties are at risk in the Gunners Park area, Shoebury Common and the Southchurch Park area. mAODN is a standard measure used across the UK for height above average sea level. It is different to Chart Datum. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities."

Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for public protection, has played down the impact of the flooding, but admitted the seafront is "vulnerable." 

He said: “All councillors were briefed yesterday and we have taken advice on the weather warnings. We’re not expecting anything too bad. We know the seafront is vulnerable. If there is a storm surge, well it’s a seafront with a sea so the seafront is bound to be vulnerable.

“We’re waiting to see what happens but emergency services will be out on he seafront. If it does flood we will do as  much as we can to support businesses on the seafront.

"We are putting out information to them. Really at the moment it’s a case of waiting but we are prepared.”