Emergency services in the region and partner agencies have been on standby throughout the night in readiness for the expected high water levels this morning along the East coast and along the Humber Estuary.
Fortunately, the wind direction and weather conditions did not coincide with the high tides and defences were not breached or overtopped.
However, the Environment Agency is advising the public to remain vigilant as there are more high tides forecast for the East coast on Friday evening.
A low pressure system and gale force winds has brought high tides and big waves to the Yorkshire coast that may pose a risk of flooding for some coastal properties
The public are advised to check their local flood risk and ensure they are signed up to our free flood warning service
All relevant information is on our website at www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding or on Floodline on 0345 9881188
Our forecasting teams are monitoring the weather closely and will issue flood warnings if necessary
Our operational staff are out on the ground checking flood defences and giving advice to residents and businesses where appropriate
People are urged to take extreme care and avoid walking along coastal paths and promenades if they are affected by strong winds and large waves
Large waves can carry dangerous debris and they can take a person out to sea in seconds
Some low-lying coastal roads may be flooded. People should avoid driving through flood water: just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car
Our preparatory work in Yorkshire includes activating the Hull Barrier, checking stability of flood defences at key coastal locations, and working with partner organisations, door knocking to warn and inform the public.
Messages from Friday morning’s high tide:
The tide is still making its way down the Yorkshire coast but we have had no reports of properties flooding so far
Wind is difficult to forecast because a slight change in direction can cause issues for some areas however our information on the ground suggests it was less windy than expected which means the tide was not as high as predicted.
Our attention is turning to the tide this evening where we are again preparing for potential flooding and our weather data shows that we could see more of an impact. We still have our flood warnings out and we’re asking people to continue being on the alert.
Hull Barrier fast facts
Most of Hull is at risk of flooding from the sea, as over 90 per cent of the city is below high tide level. Around 17,000 properties are protected by the Hull Tidal Barrier, and a high surge tide could cost more than £230 million in direct flood damage if the barrier was not there to protect the city.
The highest tide ever recorded at the Hull Tidal Barrier was on the evening of 5 December 2013, when tide reached 5.8 meters.
The barrier cost £3.9 million to build.
The gate weighs 212 tonnes and the two cast iron counterweights for each side of it weigh 60 tonnes each. The four chains - two holding each counterweight - weigh 22 tonnes each.
SOUTH BANK MESSAGES
CURRENT SITUATION
The picture has slightly improved this morning, with less impact from storm conditions on this morning’s tide than originally predicted
However the situation is changeable and we are now looking ahead towards the evening’s tides – approximately 6.45pm – where we could now see the impact
We’re still expecting high winds and large waves, leading to sea spray, some overtopping and some pooling of water behind defences, so we’re asking people to remain alert.
Flood warnings remain in place up and down the east coast, including Lincolnshire and the Humber
WHAT WE’RE DOING:
We’re working with our partner agencies including the Met Office, local authorities and the emergency services – through the LRF
We’re monitoring the situation around the clock and will continue to issue flood alerts and warnings as needed
Temporary defences have gone up at South Ferriby (1,500m) and Trussthorpe (140m) – it’s part of our contingency planning and is a precautionary measure as we know these places have flooded before.
SOUTH FERRIBY:
To help reduce the risk to flooding to properties we have erected 1,500 metres of temporary defences starting from Hope & Anchor pub along A1077 up towards high ground in South Ferriby.
Overnight we carried out additional patrols along the South Humber defences from Winteringham to Goxhill, including South Ferriby and Barrow.
Flood support officers were out in the area last night helping to warn and inform people.
ADVICE FOR PEOPLE:
Don’t be complacent – stay alert and aware.
Flood warnings are still in place. For the latest information for your area, visit www.gov.uk/flood which is updated every 15 minutes.
Be prepared – sign up for our free flood warnings: call 0345 988 1188 or visit www.gov.uk/flood
As the bad weather and high winds move in, take common-sense precautions like avoiding coastal paths and promenades.
Don’t drive through flood waters – 30 cm is enough to move your car
Keep listening to local media for updates and follow us on Twitter - #floodaware
Listen to any advice from the emergency services in order to stay safe.
More info as well from https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshire-prepared/