Strong winds along the coast have prompted local authority bosses to close a number of floodgates amid fears of high tides.

Canterbury City Council has shut its barriers as a precaution in Herne Bay and Whitstable.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the area as it predicts the tide to peak at about 2.45pm and sea levels to remain high for up to four hours afterwards.

The body is urging residents to be careful on beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.

Its alert says: "We are closely monitoring the situation. We expect flooding to affect low lying land, promenades and coastal footpaths.

"Coastal conditions should ease for subsequent tides after this afternoon."

Council staff will be out monitoring sea levels tomorrow afternoon and operating sluice gates on the coastal brooks to stop flooding inland.

Spokesman Rob Davies said: "Some floodgates will remain open but this doesn't mean we have forgotten to close them.

"The forecast will be monitored very closely over the next couple of days and if necessary, we will close further floodgates along our seafront."

Meanwhile, a large tidal surge is expected in the River Medway and people in Aylesford, Larkfield, Wouldham, the Medway Towns, Upnor, Hoo and Lower Halstow have been warned that it could cause flooding.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable