A STORM surge expected around 1pm today (December 6) could put lives at risk in Greenhithe and Gravesend.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a severe flood warning – meaning severe flooding, danger to life – for the properties seaward of the tidal defences in Gravesend, Denton and Greenhithe.
A spokesman for the EA says in some areas sea levels could be higher than those during the devastating floods of 1953 - which battered the east coast of England and claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who chaired two Cobra meetings, said: "Clearly our priority is public safety and I urge people to act on the advice from the environment agency, police and local agencies."
:: People are being urged to check the Environment Agency website or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest updates on flood warnings.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service says there have been no major incidents so far.
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