A SEVERE flood warning has been issued for the Clacton coastline.

High tides and strong winds are expected to hit the coast in the early hours of Friday morning.

Experts say sea levels could be as high as they were during the 1953 floods in some places.

It has been described as the worst tidal surge in 30 years.

And Clacton has been given the top flood warning status by the Environment Agency, with the area from the town’s Martello Tower across to Jaywick at particular risk.

Some residents have received phone calls from the agency warning them of approaching storm.

A severe flood warning means there is a risk to life - the Environment Agency advises anyone in danger to call 999.

EA spokesman Peter Fox said: "The most important thing is that along the east coast the high tide will be hitting in the hours of darkness this evening and tonight, so people really need to take the daylight hours today to prepare for the coastal and tidal flooding that we are predicting."

Mr Fox said evacuation in "key areas" was being discussed with the police.

So far 26 areas in England have been given severe flood warnings, while hundreds of other areas have been given minor warnings and alerts.