UK weather: Flood warnings issued with 'super tides' set to batter UK coastline

The biggest high tides in almost two decades are expected this weekend

A man walks his dog as the tide comes in. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Flood warnings have been issued throughout the UK this weekend, as the biggest high tides for two decades combine are set to combine with unsettled weather.

The Environment Agency (EA) has warned that there will likely be localised travel disruption and flooding in low-lying areas along the north west coast from Friday into Monday, and along the north east coast on Friday and Saturday.

The high tides are already taking their toll in some parts of the country. In Richmond, west London, cars were submerged under several feet of water after the River Thames burst its banks, the Evening Standard reported.

The east coast, parts of the south coast, as well as Devon, Cornwall and the Bristol Channel are also likely to be hit by flooding from Saturday into Monday.

Communities along the south west and north west coasts must also brace themselves, where a combination of high waves and strong winds is forecast for Sunday into Monday, according to the EA.

On Friday evening, a "be prepared" flood alert was in place for Findhorn Nairn Moray and Speyside in Scotland.

Experts at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) have predicted that spring tides on Friday and Saturday days could be up to 11“ (30cm) higher than usual on Scotland's coast.

In coastal parts of Wales, two flood warnings – the second most severe - and 10 flood alerts were in place.

There are also 18 flood warnings and 75 flood alerts across England. To prepare for the 'super tides', a 75ft (23m) a temporary dam has been put up in Knightstone Harbour in Weston, while flood gates in both Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare have also been closed, BBC News reported.

Residents and business owners have been warned of potential flooding by North Somerset Council, and Sedgemoor District Council tweeted: As a precaution for high tides we've set-up our flood wall to act as an extra defence in Blake Gardens, Bridgwater.

The high tides, known as 'super tides', are occurring due to the combined gravitational pull of the sun and the moon, and a longer cycle associated with the pull of planets in the solar system.

The UK is currently experiencing a peak in such increases, meaning the astronomical tide is at an 18-year peak - rising a few centimetres above an average spring tide.

John Curtin, Environment Agency’s Director of Incident Management and Resilience, said: “We are monitoring the situation closely with the Met Office and will issue flood alerts and warnings as required.

“It’s possible we could see some large waves and spray and urge people to take care near coastal paths and promenades and not to drive through flood water.

“However, we can only get a warning to you if you’ve signed up to our free service. People can also see their flood risk and keep up to date with the latest situation on the GOV.UK website or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates.”