Flood alerts have been issued today along the Kent coast where an 'astronomical' tidal surge is expected.

The Environment Agency (EA) issued the warning along the coast from Pegwell Bay to Deal including Sandwich, the Pfizer site and the Tidal Stour between the sea and Stonar Cut.

The high tide was expected in Dover at 11.10am followed by a second surge at 11.36pm.

A spokesman for the EA said: "Flooding is possible for coast and tidal areas from Pegwell Bay to Deal including Sandwich, the Pfizer site and the Tidal Stour between the sea and Stonar Cut.

"Be prepared.

"A tidal surge is forecast for the next two high tides at Dover on Sunday November 5.

"An astronomical high tide of 3.46 metres above Ordnance Datum is expected at 11:11 at Dover.

"A positive surge of 0.17 metres may also be expected, giving a total water level of approximately 3.63 metres above Ordnance Datum."

They added the surge is forecast to increase during the day, resulting in slightly higher peak water levels for the later tide at 11:36pm.

They continued: "Wind direction is north westerly. Wind speed is forecast Gale Force four to five.

"This flood alert is principally aimed at boat yards on the Tidal Stour and is valid for all of Sunday and overnight into Monday."

Further flood alerts affect the north Kent coast.

A spokesman said: "A tidal surge is forecast for the next high tides at Sheerness on Monday.

"An astronomical high tide of 3.22 metres... is expected at 1.30am at Sheerness."

Flood alerts have been placed on the coast from Dartford to Allhallows; the Medway Estuary to the Isle of Grain; Whitstable to Margate and the Isle of Shppey round to Seasalter.

Flooding of low lying coastal areas may also be expected however, it is not expected to affect properties.