Flood warnings: Yorkshire coast and Humber braced for spring peak tides

Emergency services, local authorities and the Environment Agency have been making preparations this week for a potential tidal surge in the Humber Estuary and tidal flooding in Whitby.

There are significant concerns that high tide levels and strong waves could cause result in flooding in coastal towns including Scarborough and Bridlington.

Warnings, which mean flooding is expected, have also been issued for areas around the sea defences in Cleethorpes.

They are among 14 severe flood warnings, 78 warnings and 80 alerts in force across England and Wales today.

So far there have been no reports of significant flooding.

Humberside Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Blacksell posted on Twitter: "Early call as @HumbersideFire Gold to Director in multi agency command before 6am meeting. Quiet then but please all remain vigilant on coast."

A 1.7 mile long steel temporary flood defence was installed by the Environment Agency yesterday to protect the village of South Ferriby in North Lincolnshire.

Road closures are in place near Cleethorpes Sea front at Brighton Slipway and Sea Road as a precaution.

Other closures include the A174 in Sandsend, Pier Road and Church Street in Whitby, and Royal Albert Drive, Sandside, Foreshore Road and the Spa approach road in Scarborough.

Harbour walls and piers at Whitby and Scarborough have also been cordoned off to prevent access.