Homes evacuated and troops brought in ahead of expected tidal surge on east coast amid extreme snow and ice warnings

The UK has experienced bad weather

Storm waves snow UK

by Owen Tonks |
Published on

People in some parts of the east of England have been advised to leave their homes ahead of a predicted storm surge.

The Met Office has also warned that other parts of the country could face difficulties due to snow, ice and gales.

The Environment Agency has said that high tides and strong winds may cause seawater to come inland along the east coast tonight.

Officials have given a number of severe flood warnings, meaning there could be a “danger to life”.

Environment Agency duty manager Mark Sitton-Kent said in a statement: “The combination of gale-force winds, high tides, dangerous waves carrying rocks and coastal surge means parts of the east coast are extremely dangerous.”

Areas of towns including Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and Jaywick, Mistley and Mersea in Essex are being evacuated, as well as 1,800 properties in East Suffolk.

Dave Buckley, who is working with The Environment Agency and other services to organise the response, said in a statement: “We understand people will be anxious but this action is necessary on the back of the latest information from The Environment Agency, which suggests the threat is significant.

“Military resources - around 200 troops - are en route and will start arriving shortly to assist with the evacuation process and we also have additional police resources in place to manage this response.”

The potential for severe flooding begins at 9.30pm with Lowestoft and Waveney in Suffolk expected to be amongst the worst affected areas.

Storm waves snow UK
A man decides to stay put despite evacuations in Jaywick, Essex (Getty Images)

According to the MailOnline, Floods Minister Therese Coffey said: “Our absolute priority is protecting lives, homes and businesses from the serious threat of coastal flooding currently facing the east coast.

“That is why we have soldiers on the ground helping to warn and evacuate people alongside the emergency services and Environment Agency teams, who are working round the clock to make sure our permanent defences are working well and temporary defences are in place where necessary.”

Storm waves snow UK
Snow made for dangerous driving conditions on the roads today (Getty Images)

In other parts of the country this morning, commuters struggled into work after snow fell yesterday evening and turned to ice in some places.

Temperatures dropped to as low as -9C overnight which made for hazardous driving conditions on frozen roads today.

Storm waves snow UK
Tourists visit London's Horse Guards Parade in the snow today (Getty Images)

IT programmer Ben Jackson, 23, told Metro of his plans today: "I'm calling work to say it's too dangerous on the roads and the trains are running late.

"By the time I get into London, it will almost be time to pack up and come home again.

"I can do a lot of my work from home and it makes sense to stay here - I'm sure lots of other people will be doing the same."

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