Strong winds, a storm surge and high tides combined to cause flooding to communities across the South West today, and resuidents and business owners are bracing for the next high tide.

Among the areas hit by storm surges and gales included Looe, Polperro and Mevagissey in Cornwall and Dartmouth and Lynmouth in Devon and Porlock in Somerset, and with warning still in force, and high tides this evening and tomorrow morning, there are fears that problems could be repeated.

Another high tide will affect coastal areas this evening, Saturday and Sunday and people are being urged to remain vigilant. Two severe flood warnings continue to be in force in Wessex, Preston Beach, Weymouth, and Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park.

Most recent estimates suggest that around 130 properties have flooded since Thursday, while flood defences have protected some 130,000 properties across the country.

Environment Agency teams have been working around the clock to close coastal flood gates, clear and shore up flood defences, deploy temporary defences, monitor water levels and issue flood warnings and flood alerts.

The risk of flooding could continue throughout the weekend and early next week. The Agency urges people to be prepared by checking their flood risk, signing up to free flood warnings and keeping an eye on the latest flood updates via the EA website and Twitter.

The Environment Agency will continue to work to check flood defences and close tidal gates to protect communities.

The Environment Agency reminded people to avoid coastal paths and promenades which could be dangerous and driving through floodwater. Several reports have been received today of property flooding being made worse by the waves caused by vehicles driving through flood water.

Advice on what to do before, during and after flooding is available on the Environment Agency website or by calling Floodline on 0845 9881188.

People should remain flood aware and are encouraged to check the Environment Agency website for the latest flood information, follow #floodaware on Twitter and sign up to free flood warnings by visiting: https://fwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/app/olr/home.

 People can follow the Environment Agency in the South West on Twitter at @EnvAgencySW and can sign-up for flood warnings by contacting Floodline on 0845 9881188