We’ve had snow. Now we could face flooding.

A tidal surge is expected to hit the Kent coast later tonight. Already Minster Parish Council on the Isle of Sheppey has issued a warning.

And a farmer has moved his sheep from Conyer Creek, between Sittingbourne and Faversham, to higher ground to keep them safe.

A record 6m high tide is expected at 1am Saturday along with a storm surge from the North Sea.

The Environment Agency said flooding was possible from Whitstable to Margate, including Herne Bay, Reculver, Marshside, Saint Nicholas at Wade, Birchington and Westgate on Sea.

Low lying land and slipways are most at risk, especially during the peak of high tide at around 1.30am.

Swale council has been monitoring the situation all day with the Environment Agency, which has temporary flood barriers ready to deploy.

At 3pm a Swale council spokesman said: “The Resilience Forum has confirmed there is no longer a risk of property being flooded because of the tidal surge along the North Kent Coast. But there might be some flooding on low-lying land.”

Minster parish council emailed selected residents earlier today with details of its emergency plan.

Clerk Trish Codrington said: “Due to the current warnings about a potential tidal surge on Friday 13 January we are asking residents to consider the following advice to protect themselves and their property.”

She added: “For anyone living alone, please do not worry. Our intention is not to alarm anyone. We have worked very hard to produce a plan to support people in an emergency and will do our best to offer you support if you need it.”

Advice includes:

Listen to updates on KMFM or via the Floodline on 0345 988 1188

Keep dry and out of floodwater if possible. Stay in your property if safe to do so until advised otherwise by the emergency services or if the floodwater has receded.

Do not walk or drive through flowing floodwater.

If it is necessary to walk through shallow floodwater, take care for hidden potholes, obstacles or other hazards.

Do not walk on riverbanks, sea defences or cross bridges over torrential rivers.

Avoid contact with floodwater and wash any exposed parts before handling food or attending to wounds.

If possible move electrical equipment and furniture upstairs.

If evacuation becomes necessary it is important to remain calm and not to panic.

Police officers and other officials may visit properties deemed to be at risk to advise on the need to evacuate.

Residents may hear about the evacuation from the radio, verbally, by email or a leaflet drop.