The Environment Agency is warning several coastal towns and villages across Kent are at risk of flooding.

It says in some cases a high tide is likely to coincide with unsettled weather, strong winds and possible rain.

The agency is putting staff in place to respond if any areas are left under water.

The section from Sandgate to St Mary's Bay, taking in Hythe, Dymchurch, New Romney and the Romney Marsh, along with the stretch from Dungeness to Rye, has been placed on a red flood alert which means flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

Stretches of coastline which could be flooded are: Ramsgate to Kingsdown, including Sandwich and Deal, plus St Margaret's at Cliffe to Sandgate, which includes Dover and Folkestone.

Environment Agency forecasters predict high water will be around midday.

It says flooding could happen two hours either side of this - giving a range of between 10am and 2pm for possible problems.

Its flood alert reads: "Please be careful in areas along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths during the period of concern, and avoid any flood water.

"We will continue to monitor this situation, and have staff prepared to respond if needed."

Canterbury City Council announced it would close several of its floodgates in Whitstable and Herne Bay as a precautionary measure based on the forecasts.

People living on low lying land near the River Medway and Thames Estuary should also be prepared for flooding in the early hours tomorrow (Monday, September 30).

The warning extends from Dartford, to Gravesend, the Isle of Grain, the Medway Towns, Snodland, Ditton, Sanding, then Iwade, The Isle of Sheppey and Seasalter.

The Environment Agency said the highest tide level is expected at 2.15am on Monday morning.

Flooding is possible two hours either side of this time from 12.15am to 4.15am.

The agency does not think homes will be flooded but staff are monitoring the situation and incident response staff are ready to operate in areas of high risk.

Anyone with concerns can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 217041.

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