Flood alert as 'biggest tides of the year' hit Plymouth tonight
Plymouth is bracing for the 'biggest tides of the year' with potential flooding across parts of the city, experts have warned. Coastal areas are particularly at risk today (Thursday, September 19) as the UK experiences higher than usual tides due to the alignment of the full moon, sun and earth.
Spring tides, which occur twice a month (not just in spring), result in higher than usual high tides. The Environment Agency (EA) predicts that tides in Plymouth will be up to 0.03m above tide table level, potentially causing flooding in coastal communities.
One flood alert spans a large portion of the Plymouth coast, as well as covering from Cawsand to Wembury. These alerts indicate possible flooding in the area, urging local residents to prepare to act if necessary.
READ MORE:Luxurious £113m 'mega-yacht' on its way to Plymouth
READ MORE:Paedo hunters snare Plymouth man who sent revolting messages to 'girl'
If a flood alert is issued, you should:
be ready to follow your flood plan
have insurance documents and any medications ready
avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water
move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood
According to the Environment Agency, this evening's spring tide is set to be one of the largest. The Met Office explains: "When there is a high tide, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in alignment and the gravitational force is strong. These tides are known as spring tides and occur twice a month.
"In this case the Moon can appear in between the Earth and Sun resulting in a solar eclipse, or at the furthest point away from the Sun resulting in a full Moon. When in alignment, the Moon and Sun combine in gravitational forces to bring the highest and lowest tides of the month."
Flood alert in Plymouth
Plymouth Sound, Wembury Bay and tidal estuaries
Flooding is possible over the evening high tides on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th September. High water at Plymouth on Thursday evening is at 19:39, times of high water will vary along the coast.
These are the biggest tides of the year, peaking on Thursday evening. Sea conditions are expected to be calm due to high pressure, however still water conditions may still cause flooding to low lying roads and quaysides.
Locations particularly at risk include exposed coastal areas of Plymouth Sound including Cawsand, Kingsand and The Hoe, Millbrook, and low lying areas on the Tidal Lynher, Tamar, Tavy, Plym and Yealm estuaries.
Do not walk or drive through flood water or waves.
We are monitoring the situation and will update this information if the situation changes.
Detailed tidal information; The forecast high tide level at Plymouth on Thursday 19th September is 2.85 mAOD. Expect tide levels along to coast to be up to 0.03 metres above tide table level.