Storm Eunice LIVE: Met Office issues red weather warning ahead of strong winds and possible snow

The Environment Agency (EA) is urging coastal communities in the south west and south coasts of England to prepare for flooding due to Storm Eunice.

Severe flood warnings, meaning there is a threat to life, will be issued for parts of the tidal Severn Estuary and River Wye in Gloucestershire, the EA said.

There are also a further 11 flood warnings and 57 flood alerts in place, with more expected in the coming hours.

The EA said it is working around the clock to help keep communities and people safe by erecting barriers and closing flood gates

Members of the public are also being urged to ensure they know what to do in case of flooding.

Stefan Laeger, the Environment Agency’s Flood Duty Manager, said:

“The public should take extreme caution as strong winds resulting in a storm surge and large waves are expected bring potentially severe coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal Rivers Severn and Wye in Gloucestershire, from the early hours of Friday morning. This is due to Storm Eunice coinciding with a period of spring tides and large waves. Further spells of heavy rain are expected this weekend.

“Environment Agency teams are out on the ground closing gates, erecting barriers and clearing screens where flood debris can build up, and stand ready to operate further flood defences if needed. Flood gates are now shut on north and south coasts of Devon and Cornwall. Working with our partners in local resilience forums, we are planning for emergency response to keep people safe where flooding does occur.

“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."