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In Weston-super-Mare, the strong winds are forecast to coincide with very high tides that will be close to 13m. The gates along the length of the promenade sea defences will be closed from this evening (Monday 8 April) until the worst of the weather has passed tomorrow. This will include the gates at Knightstone Island. Disruption is also expected at Clevedon and Portishead seafronts.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “The combination of very high tides and strong winds can be a dangerous one, and debris from the sea can be thrown onto the sea front. We would urge people to take great care when on the seafront. They should stay off the promenade and not try to cross onto it when the gates are closed.
“We have been contacting promenade businesses today and the community living on Knightstone Island, to make them aware so they can also be prepared.
“We have crews on standby to close the seafronts at both Clevedon and Portishead for morning and evening tides.”
Properties are not expected to flood, because of the existing flood defences, and any impact is likely on the immediate sea front only. Sandbags are available from local builders’ merchants. There is a directory of alternative flood resilience products on the Blue Pages website: https://bluepages.org.uk/.
The Met Office website will provide more up-to-date information about the weather conditions, and residents are also encouraged to sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood warnings direct at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline.
The Environment Agency's guide to what to do before, during and after a flood features advice such as how to check whether you are at risk of flooding, checklists to help you prepare and practical advice should flooding occur. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding.
There is also further useful information on North Somerset Council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/flooding.