Communities on the Norfolk and Suffolk coast are today bracing themselves for potential flooding caused by 50mph winds and high tides.

Stretches of coastline at Bacton, Ostend, Walcott, Southwold and Felixstowe have been warned to expect high spring tides on Tuesday, January 8.

The Environment Agency said some homes and businesses could be flooded between 5.45am and 9.45am.

It has issued three flood warnings where immediate action is required and 16 flood alerts where flooding could be possible.

The Norfolk coast, stretching from Bacton to Great Yarmouth, has been warned to expect rising waters.

Forecasters had warned throughout Monday that parts of the region could be hit by 'localised flooding' on Tuesday, January 8 and the EA's East Anglian incident team monitored tidal forecasts for the east coast closely throughout the weekend.

An EA spokesperson said: 'We have issued flood alerts and warnings for the Norfolk coast from Bacton to Ostend, including Walcott; one for Bawdsey Quay and Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk; and one for the Suffolk coast at Southwold.

'Flood alerts are being issued for the Broadland rivers Bure, Yare and Waveney as they will be tide-locked by the surge.

'The surge will only affect the tides on Tuesday and we expect to be able to remove all alerts and warnings early on Wednesday.

'We are not expecting widespread flooding impacts.

'People can keep themselves safe by not entering flood water and by avoiding beaches and promenades at times of high tide.'

Pauline Porter, chair of Walcott Parish Council, said: ' It's all down to the wind. We think we should get away with a little bit of overtopping.'

But she added: 'If people have flood defences, [I'd suggest] putting them up anyway.

'It's a good opportunity to make sure they don't need any maintenance - dig them out and dust off the cobwebs.'

Flood co-ordinator for Wells, Marie Strong, said: 'The report is not indicating serious flooding.

'Generally properties in Wells are not anticipated to be at risk.'

A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) said: 'Public bodies have in place multi-agency emergency response plans for a range of scenarios, including flooding.'

'Residents and businesses in areas most at risk are encouraged to register to receive flood alerts.'

A spokesperson for West Norfolk council said: 'Flood alerts or flood warnings will not be issued for Hunstanton or King's Lynn areas.

'There may be some flood alerts issued for our northern stretch of coast between Old Hunstanton and Wells.'

The flood alert for Bacton to Ostend, including Walcott, said: 'Strong winds and spring tides may cause large waves and spray overtopping on the coast.

'Areas most at risk are Sea View, Ann Stannard Way, Keswick Way, and Walcott Rd. The Coast Rd, St Helens Rd, Helena Rd, Poplar Dr, Archibald Dr, Lynton Rd, The Crescent and Ostend Place in Walcott. Seaview Crescent, Ostend Gap, Ostend Rd and Horizon Views.

Flood warnings across Norfolk and Suffolk (updated 08/01 at 9.30am)

-The Norfolk coast from Bacton to Ostend, including Walcott

-The Suffolk coast at Southwold

-Bawdsey Quay and Felixstowe Ferry

-Isolated riverside properties on the tidal River Deben estuary

Flood alerts have also been issued in the following areas:

-The Norfolk coast from Bacton to Ostend, including Walcott

-The Norfolk coast from Caister to Gorleston, including Great Yarmouth

-The Norfolk coast from Eccles on Sea, to and including, Winterton-on-Sea

-The Suffolk and Essex coast from Felixstowe to Clacton including Orwell and Stour estuaries

-The Suffolk coast at Southwold

-The Suffolk coast from Lowestoft to Bawdsey

-The tidal Deben estuary

-The tidal Rivers Bure, Ant and Thurne

-The tidal River Waveney from Ellingham to Breydon Water

-The tidal River Yare from Thorpe St Andrew to Breydon Water

The EDP will continue publishing updates, alerts and warnings on the floods from the Environment Agency, in print and online at EDP24.