Flood alert over as surge passes

Fears of widespread flooding in eastern England diminished today as surging tides peaked without major breaches of defences.

Evacuated residents were allowed back to their homes in Norfolk as water levels stopped short of historic levels predicted from a combination of gale-force winds and a high tide.

While flood warnings remained in place, the Environment Agency (EA) said the main tidal peak in East Anglia, the area most at risk, has now occurred.

There were reports of localised flooding, and inland areas affected by different tidal patterns remained at risk.

A spokesman said: "The main tidal peak in the area that was most at risk in the Anglian region has occurred.

"The risk of flooding has diminished and the outlook is for tide levels to fall.

"No further flooding is expected after this morning's high tide."