The Environment Agency is urging people living in flood risk communities along the north coast of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to prepare for flooding from a forecast tidal surge caused by Storm Eunice tomorrow.

The tidal surge is possible Friday morning - the Environment Agency is urging people to take steps to protect themselves and their property from the risk of flooding.

Strong winds, large waves, coupled with the storm surge, are likely to cause wave-overtopping and flooding to exposed communities on the north coast during the high tide.

People are being advised to stay away from coastal areas and keep away from shoreline roads and paths, piers and promenades.

Yesterday saw Storm Dudley impact the northern half of the UK – tomorrow Storm Eunice is predicted to bring strong winds to southern and central areas, as well as some snow for northern areas.

National Severe Weather Warnings were issued by the Met Office for both storms.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said that an active jet stream was helping to drive low-pressure systems across the country and that both storms would cause some disruption.

Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.”

Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as tidal River Severn

The Met Office weather warning in place for Storm Eunice is warning people to take extreme care near any coastal areas and also warning wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’. 

The most significant wind gusts are expected in the south and west of the UK, with an amber warning now in force here from the early hours of Friday morning. Exposed coastal areas could see wind gusts in excess of 95mph, while inland areas could still see gusts to around 80mph, bringing the potential for fallen trees, damage to buildings and travel disruption.

Although Storm Eunice’s strongest winds will be on its southern edge, the Met Office said the northern flank of the system brings the potential for some snow to northern areas. A yellow warning for wind and snow has been issued covering Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland, where potentially up to 20cm of snow could accumulate over high ground, with up to 5cm possible in some lower areas.

Katharine Smith, Environment Agency Flood Duty Manager, said:

“Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, southwest and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, in the early hours of Friday morning. This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.

“Please remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades. We urge people to stay safe on the coast and warn wave watchers against the unnecessary danger of taking ‘storm selfies’. Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people should avoid driving through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”