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News release


Autumn gales bring risk of coastal flooding
 

6 October 2006

Gale force winds in the west today (Friday) will coincide with high tides this evening and Met Office forecasters are raising awareness of possible coastal flooding, especially around western coasts.

Winds with gusts to 60 m.p.h. could lead to large waves over-topping some coasts, with possible flooding. Areas most at risk this evening are western coasts of England, Wales and Scotland and also the north coast of Northern Ireland.

After a calmer period of weather on Saturday, a change in wind direction may lead to further flood risk for southern coasts of England on Sunday evening.

Forecasters at the Met Office work closely with the Environment Agency to provide early warnings and up-to-date advice in these situations.

David Rooke, Head of Flood Defence at the Environment Agency, said; "We will continue to monitor the situation along the coastline. Flood watches or warnings will be issued where appropriate, to give people as much notice as possible. High tides are expected for this weekend, so anyone out near the coast should be aware of any changes in weather conditions."

People are advised to follow latest weather forecasts from the Met Office and see the Environment Agency website for the latest flood information.

Latest forecast for the UK

UK warnings of severe weather

What to do in severe weather

EA Floodline: 0845 988 1188

EA web site

For further information:
Met Office Press Office  +44 (0)1392 886655
E-mail: pressoffice@metoffice.gov.uk
 
Met Office Customer Centre  0870 900 0100
If you're outside the UK  +44 (0)1392 885680