Suffolk and Norfolk issued tidal surge flood warnings over Christmas

Flooding could strike Norfolk and Suffolk over the Christmas period, with warnings and alerts issued over a tidal surge.

The Environment Agency said on Thursday that there is the potential for flooding in the Norfolk Broads.

Officers are now monitoring tide locking – where raised sea levels stop rivers from draining out to the sea, which can cause flooding – across the river network.

The surge, caused by a low-pressure system and strong winds in the North Sea, is expected to bring high tides over the Christmas period.

Marcus Sibley, from the local area leadership team at the Environment Agency, said: “Please remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades.

“We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and exposed coasts and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”

In a statement, the Environment Agency predicted “some smaller impacts along the East Norfolk and Suffolk coast including at Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft in the next few days”.

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It comes as Storm Pia caused chaos across the UK, with wind speeds reaching 115mph in parts of the country.

The gusts brought travel to a standstill, with all services at London Euston suspended from 1.30pm to 5.30pm because of damage to overhead lines near Watford Junction.

Adding to the travel chaos, French staff at the Eurotunnel have announced a last-minute strike, causing all services to be temporarily suspended.

An update on the Eurotunnel website said: “Due to industrial action in France, all Le Shuttle services have been temporarily suspended.

“We apologise for the delay to your journey. Further updates will be provided shortly.”

The Port of Dover said it is dealing with extra traffic because of the strike forcing the Channel Tunnel to close.