Plymouth on flood alert tonight and Wednesday

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for Plymouth Sound, Wembury Bay and nearby tidal estuaries, warning that flooding is possible around this evening’s high tide and again on Wednesday evening.

High tide at Plymouth is at 7.53pm tonight, with the greatest risk between 7pm and 9pm. Times vary along the coast, so communities around Cawsand, Kingsand and The Hoe are urged to stay vigilant. Waterside roads and low-lying spots along the Lynher, Tamar, Tavy, Plym and Yealm estuaries are especially exposed.

Conditions should ease for Wednesday morning, but forecasters expect them to worsen again on Wednesday evening, bringing a further risk of coastal flooding.

File image of a bus driving through deep floodwater on a Plymouth street. **© Wayne Perry**

The forecast tide level for Plymouth tonight is around 2.95m, around 0.3m above average levels, with Force 5 southerly winds and offshore waves near 2.7m over the high tide.

Please do not walk or drive through flood water. Move vehicles from waterside parking, secure loose items in gardens and on the foreshore, bring pets indoors early and check on neighbours who may need a hand.

If you live or work near the water, keep phones charged, prepare a small grab bag and plan alternative routes that avoid flooded quays, slipways and underpasses. Guidance on preparing before, during and after flooding is available via the Environment Agency.

File image of a flooded Plymouth street with bins and rubbish floating in water. **© Wayne Perry / Plymouth Plus**

You can get free flood warnings by phone, text or email and view the alert-area map on the Environment Agency website.

If you need advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or use the textphone on 0345 602 6340. The service runs 24 hours a day. Officials say they will provide another update by midday on Wednesday or sooner if the situation changes.

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