Frightening footage posted online shows several cars being hit by huge waves in Broadstairs.

Thanet was hit by a tidal surge last night which had been predicted for the east Kent coastline.

Sophie Ainslie posted the video on Facebook this morning.

Video: Cars hit by huge waves in Broadstairs. Video: Sophie Ainslie

It comes after flood defences were shut in several areas in Thanet in a bid to stop water levels rising on the coastline ahead of the predicted tidal surge.

Thanet District Council (TDC) took the decision to close floodgates at Minnis Bay, Birchington, St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate, and around Marine Drive and the Rendezvous in Margate.

There was also damage to the sea wall further up the coast at Westbrook as this picture taken earlier today by Ruth Jones shows.