On Friday the 3rd of January, a combination of a low pressure weather system, high spring tide and gale force winds, is likely to cause a tidal surge that will increase the usual spring tide level of 5.16m, by another 0.8m, causing overtopping of coastal defences at Ilfracombe.
From early on Friday morning gusts of wind of up to 65 miles per hour and large waves of 6-9 metres are forecast. Beaches, coastal promenades, roads and footpaths will be extremely dangerous. The Environment Agency are advising the public to avoid these areas and have issued a severe flood warning, meaning that severe flooding and danger to life is possible.
High tide at Ilfracombe is at 07:05, and flood conditions will usually apply 2 to 4 hours either side of high tide. Overtopping of coastal defences is likely with high energy large waves and spray, combined with high spring tides and high winds. Flooding is expected at exposed coastal locations.
The high winds, heavy rain and tidal surge are expected to affect many coastal towns in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and the South coast of England throughout Friday 3rd January.
This page will be updated regularly on Friday with any new information about the floods.
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