HOMES in some parts of Gravesend could flood overnight as severe weather sweeps in from the north.

The Met Office has issued a flood alert for low lying properties in the town as it warns there is a significant risk of coasting flooding in the early hours of tomorrow morning (December 6).

It says there is also a risk of flooding again early in the afternoon.

The Environment Agency (EA) is warning people in homes at risk to take action if they receive a flood alert and warning message.

And the Thames Barrier will close at 10pm tonight to protect London from a combined high tide and tidal surge in the Thames estuary.

EA teams are out in the area checking flood defences, monitoring sea levels and preparing to issue further flood warnings if necessary.

The EA’s area manager for Kent and South London, Andrew Pearce, said: “Currently 1,300 properties and low areas of grazing marsh through the Medway Estuary and Swale are expected to be at risk from this coastal flood.

“But there is the risk that up to 3,000 properties could be affected and we advise people to keep a close eye on our website for the latest information.

“We are working closely with the Met Office, emergency services and our local authority partners to monitor the forecast, continue to warn people of the risks and prepare our response.

“Although the highest tides do not occur until Friday we wanted to alert people to the risk of possibly serious flooding early to allow them time to prepare.

“Impacts could include flooding coastal properties and communities.

“Coastal paths and promenades could be highly dangerous as there is an increased risk of being swept out to sea.

“People are warned to stay away from the shoreline.

“We would like people to especially think about any vulnerable neighbours.

“If we do confirm the risk of flooding in their area tomorrow, please consider how you could help them to prepare for flooding as well.”

Emergency Planners from the police, councils, EA and fire and rescue service are currently meeting and will be issuing updates.

People living in the affected areas should call Floodline on 08459 881188 for the latest flood warnings in their area.