Environment Agency lifts some severe warnings
Police arrest man for jumping in river in Great Yarmouth
Essex homes evacuated
11.57pm GMT
It appears that many of the at-risk areas may be breathing a sigh of relief as the storm surge passes without as much damage as had been feared. In Essex, however, fingers are still being crossed as residents await the high tide.
In Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, the risk of flooding was expected to peak at around 9.30pm but the worst fears of the people in the area were not realised.
11.36pm GMT
While Great Yarmouth may have escaped the worst of the flooding predicted for this evening, Whitby was not quite as lucky.
10.33pm GMT
The Press Association’s reporter on the ground suggests Great Yarmouth may have got away with the worst of this evening’s predicted storm surge:
Only one emergency vehicle left here in Gorleston as Yarmouth appears to escape serious flooding following storm surge pic.twitter.com/hqV9kM3pC0
9.58pm GMT
A man has been arrested for public order offences after jumping into the river in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk police say.
Officers were alerted to a man acting dangerously next to the River Yare near Haven Bridge at around 9.10pm. When asked to move away from the water for his own safety, the man jumped in. Police say he was recovered from the water immediately and arrested.
9.43pm GMT
In Essex, blow-up beds have been inflated and blankets and pillows handed out, as those at the centre began to settle in for the night.
9.29pm GMT
A few of the less serious flood warnings in England have subsided, though the 17 severe warnings - where there is a danger to life - remain in place. In the past hour, one flood warning - those requiring immediate action - and two flood alerts have been cancelled.
8.17pm GMT
The rest centre at Tendring can welcome dogs but it cannot cater for snakes and bearded dragons, meaning that 51-year-old Tracey Edwards is going to try to stay put.
According to the Press Association, the police have told her to try to get some sleep now so she can be alert between midnight and 2am, which is when the tidal surge is expected to peak.
8.05pm GMT
Some striking pictures coming in:
8.00pm GMT
Hull Barrier closed to protect 17000 properties from east coast surge - learn more here https://t.co/Pl3QcKnpjo #floodaware pic.twitter.com/sGHo85AbQU
7.28pm GMT
Train passengers heading to and from Lowestoft will not be able to travel after approximately 8pm, Greater Anglia and Network Rail have said.
Lowestoft train station and the lines that run into and out of the station are closing early. Suffolk police has asked the two organisations to evacuate the station and close the lines for safety reasons.
7.27pm GMT
North Yorkshire fire and rescue service said crews were dealing with flooding in Sandsend, an area where high tides were expected to cause problems this evening. A spokesman said the service had set up command hubs in strategic locations.
In Bridlington, however, the high tide passed “without serious incident”, though Humberside police said high waves had been reported along the coast.
Don’t risk going to the coast to watch the high tides.It not only puts you in danger, but also emergency services if you get into difficulty
7.03pm GMT
You can keep abreast of the Environment Agency’s flood warnings here. As things stand, there are still 17 severe warnings along the east coast of England, where experts believe there is a risk to life.
Please check your flood risk. Our #flood map is updated every 15 minutes. Stay #floodaware: https://t.co/XxnHZpsv7U #weather #wind pic.twitter.com/hm3bljxsod
6.50pm GMT
The St John ambulance says its crews are on standby as more bad weather is forecast:
6.03pm GMT
Evacuees have begun arriving at a rest centre in Tendring, Clacton.
Set up by the district council, the educational centre can cater for more than 1,000 people who are leaving Jaywick.
The main issue at that time was going to be the lunchtime high tide... that turned out not to be an issue. We now have an issue with the tide around 11pm tonight and that looks to be serious.
The aim is to get as many people in here today as we can. We had 17 people stay here overnight and, so far, we have registered at least 85 people. And we would expect another couple of hundred to come through by tonight.
5.01pm GMT
In order to better understand coastal flooding, staff at the University of Southampton, the National Oceanography Centre and the British Oceanography Data Centre have compiled a database of UK coastal flood events.
You can view “SurgeWatch” here.
4.39pm GMT
British Red Cross volunteers are responding in 10 rest centres across Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. So far, 25 volunteers and two staff members have been deployed and they have seen more than 120 people who have been evacuated from their homes.
Mike Adamson, the British Red Cross chief executive, said his thoughts were with the families affected. “Being evacuated from your home can be incredibly stressful, especially when you don’t know what you may be going back to,” he said.
We were evacuated last night at 9.30pm by the police, who brought us to the rest centre. Even though it’s been a crisis situation to be evacuated from our home, we’ve had lots of teas, breakfasts, sandwiches, and been incredibly well looked after.
We arrived at 7am to find that there were mainly older people here. Some had stayed overnight, some had come in at 8am this morning. There was a lot of support from different parts of the community, including the council, social workers, and people who work with the elderly. We’ve been going around and checking what people’s needs are and sometimes just sitting with them and having conversations about their concerns and giving support and encouragement. Mainly we’re supporting older people so teas and coffees and toast are the order of the day. It’s a very calm environment and we’re pleased to be able to offer people some comfort.
4.11pm GMT
The number of severe warnings issued by the Environment Agency (EA) is up again and now stands at 17. Residents in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex are most under threat.
The east coast will be hit by the storm surge during the second high tide with gale-force winds and higher than usual tides expected to bring waves crashing over coastal defences.
4.00pm GMT
Norfolk police have said that around 80 people are also being evacuated from the village of Walcott.
3.52pm GMT
Make sure to check the latest forecast from the Met Office before clocking off for the weekend.
Plans for the weekend? Here's a look at the latest forecast ☀️❄️https://t.co/ZezbVSoRqg
3.50pm GMT
Delays of more than an hour are being reported on ferries between Dover and Calais and Dover and Dunkerque.
TRAVEL: 1.5 hour delays on @dfds_uk between #Dover & #Calais and 30 minute delays between Dover & #Dunkerque to adverse weather conditions
3.27pm GMT
About 100 soldiers from the Catterick army base have been deployed to Skegness, the Ministry of Defence said.
Three schools in Norfolk and nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, have also been closed for the day.
Our absolute priority is protecting lives, homes and businesses from the serious threat of coastal flooding currently facing the east coast.
That is why we have soldiers on the ground helping to warn and evacuate people alongside the emergency services and Environment Agency teams, who are working round the clock to make sure our permanent defences are working well and temporary defences are in place where necessary.
3.24pm GMT
Suffolk police have identified around 1,880 properties at risk from the weather.
The EA has moved more than five miles (8km) of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast, while the Chief Fire Officers Association said it had mobilised 15 fire and rescue services to assist in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Humberside.
The combination of gale-force winds, high tides, dangerous waves carrying rocks and a coastal surge means parts of the east coast are extremely dangerous.
We have issued severe flood warnings and urge everyone to check their flood risk and ensure they are in a safe place.
3.13pm GMT
Mike Penning, the minister for the armed forces, has praised troops who have been deployed to areas that are at risk. He said:
We like to be in front of the problems, but traditionally we have always waited for the problems to come. Now we have tried to get in first – to be there alongside the other emergency services – and I’m really proud of what our troops are doing today.
3.05pm GMT
As a precaution, North Yorkshire council has announced a number of road closures in preparation for high tide.
They include the A174 in Sandsend; the Pier Road and Church Street in Whitby and Royal Albert Drive, Sandside, Foreshore Road and the Spa approach road in Scarborough.
3.04pm GMT
Scarborough and Ryedale Search and Rescue (SRMRT) have tweeted a picture of them arriving on the Yorkshire coast in preparation for the high tide and potential flooding.
Multiple @mountrescueuk deployment on the Yorkshire coast for the second high tide today and potential surge https://t.co/vPLRzOrP7C pic.twitter.com/GRHeCuO6Lr
2.37pm GMT
I’m leaving the blog now, thanks for reading. I’m handing over duties to Nadia Khomami who will be with you soon.
1.57pm GMT
North Yorkshire’s coastal residents have been warned to prepare for large tidal surges on Friday afternoon.
Tourists and locals are being asked to avoid walking on coastal paths and promenades with large waves expected to crash into land at around 4pm.
1.42pm GMT
Five cars have been damaged and a road has been closed after a collision in Bacup, Lancashire.
Police were called to Venture Street at 10.30am today to reports that a car skidded down the hill and collided with a number of parked cars.
Please avoid Tong Lane, Bacup, as we currently have a five vehicle RTC. We are awaiting gritters. pic.twitter.com/1QhyAWTn7j
Tong Lane #Bacup pic.twitter.com/lskvqi1Ud4
1.35pm GMT
Here’s some dramatic footage from PA’s Tom White.
Some huge waves hitting Seaham lighthouse as the tide comes in @liamdutton @Lauratobin1 @StormHour pic.twitter.com/N9MZIpnPJj
1.30pm GMT
Essex police have insisted they are not “crying wolf” as they urged residents in the coastal communities of Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea to evacuate their homes immediately.
A full evacuation planfor the coastal communities was triggered at around 11am on Friday ahead of severe flooding expected overnight, with high tide due at 12.15am.
1.25pm GMT
The number of severe flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency is up again, now at 16.
There are currently 16 severe flood warnings – which indicate danger to life – 87 warnings and 57 alerts in force in England and Wales.
1.10pm GMT
Gale force winds have forced the cancellation of ferry services from the Scottish mainland to islands such as Mull by ferry operator CalMac and led to the rescheduling of other lifeline services to the Western Isles.
CalMac has announced a series of timetable changes and cancellations on its Twitter feed.
AMBER #Oban #Craignure 13/01 1200 ex Oban & 1300 ex Craignure have been cancelled. Service will resume 1400 ex Oban (Weather permitting)
#A93 Spittal of Glenshee - Braemar road SNOW GATES CLOSED - alos SNOW GATES CLOSED on the #A939 Cockbridge Tomintoul stretch. T.T.
Our mountains should not be underestimated as they can be unforgiving for even the most experienced. Severe weather conditions forecast in the coming days could change your environment within minutes and navigation could become difficult. White-out snow conditions could also make paths and tracks dangerously impassable.
1.08pm GMT
A motorist avoided a serious collision after a 50ft falling tree missed his car by inches in a winter blizzard, reports MEN Media.
Kevin Phoenix was driving along Marsland Road in Sale when the tree came crashing down in strong winds and sleet just after he passed.
Who said Friday the 13th is unlucky? It hasn’t been for me and the people in the houses. Thank God I put my lucky socks on that I got off my children for Christmas. It’s unbelievable that no one was hurt and no cars or homes were damaged.
1.06pm GMT
British Red Cross volunteers in Essex are supporting around 60 people evacuated from their homes in Jaywick.
The charity has five volunteers at Tendring Education Centre in Clacton. It is also providing support in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.
We arrived at 7am to find that there were mainly older people here. Some had stayed overnight, some had come in at 8am this morning.
There was a lot of support from different parts of the community, including the council, social workers, and people who work with the elderly.
1.03pm GMT
The number of severe flood warnings issued by Environment Agency has risen again and now stands at 14.
There are currently 14 severe flood warnings – meaning danger to life – 89 warnings and 63 alerts in force in England and Wales.
1.02pm GMT
A regional newspaper editor I used to work for used to say if there was no news, write about the weather. Well, the Plymouth Herald appears to have even found a way of writing about the weather when there’s no weather to write about.
Missing the snow? Here are 14 old pictures of when it did snow in Plymouth https://t.co/GXeoUNV1Tm pic.twitter.com/GjeukWGU4Y
12.58pm GMT
Minister for the Armed Forces Mike Penning announces a further 100 personnel have deployed to support @NorfolkPolice in Great Yarmouth. pic.twitter.com/5xhFABfrsy
12.56pm GMT
Just had chat with Essex Police Chief Inspector Russ Cole, who said: "We are not crying wolf. It is a real and present risk". #flooding pic.twitter.com/Df1xXAJPMD
12.55pm GMT
The Environment Agency has moved more than 5 miles (8km) of temporary barriers and 25 pumps to depots and towns along the east coast.
It said the army was on standby to assist with its response to any flooding.
12.53pm GMT
IT manager Darren Clegg was facing his second night at the Tendring rest centre, after being evacuated last night from the nearby St Osyth’s beach caravan park.
He said he was told he didn’t have to be evacuated but was left with the impression that people who didn’t leave would be penalised.
IT manager Darren Clegg facing his second night in the #jaywick rest centre. His car is trapped in caravan park but says: "I'm an optimist" pic.twitter.com/hF6aRYwbI0
Barry Dawson & Brenda Horwood having a cuppa in the rest centre- they plan to stay in their camper van in car park and watch Life on Mars. pic.twitter.com/Et1kYIMdpr
12.38pm GMT
Local authorities have triggered emergency measures to help rough sleepers as temperatures drop below zero. The emergency trigger– severe weather emergency protocols (SWEP) – means more outreach teams are sent onto the streets across England and Wales and local hostels put up more beds by using up all available space. “It’s a real lifesaving emergency situation,” said a spokeswoman for St Mungo’s.
12.15pm GMT
Some images from PA reporter Georgina Stubbs in Jaywick.
Emergency services are donning dry suits here as a precautionary measure against this afternoons high tide #jaywick pic.twitter.com/mpl7OOtbFq
12.11pm GMT
Briefly looking ahead, the weekend weather looks quite different.
Quite a contrast in the weather this weekend. Whilst Saturday's looking cold but largely fine, Sunday will be wetter, and milder for many pic.twitter.com/tvFwhHhO3u
12.03pm GMT
Fifteen fire services across the country have been mobilised to assist with bad weather across the UK, the Chief Fire Officers’ Association said.
Powered boats, high volume pumps capable of pumping 7,000 litres of water a minute and rescue teams have all been mobilised across Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Humberside to protect the public threatened by tidal surge.
11.43am GMT
The delayed evacuation of homes in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea, in Essex, has begun due to the expectation of severe flooding overnight.
A severe flood warning is in place for Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea for high tide tonight at 12.15am in the early hours of Saturday. A full evacuation plan for the communities was triggered at 10.40am, Essex police said.
I need residents in Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea to comply with police instruction and evacuate immediately. Latest forecasting tells us that risk has moved to the next high tide expected just after midnight. That threat has led to a severe flood warning being put in place for tonight’s high tide.
Keeping people safe is our only priority and we will be evacuating residents from Jaywick, Mistley and West Mersea and need people to comply with our instructions.
11.36am GMT
Here are the top five “how-to” searches on flooding, according to Google Trends.
"How to prepare for a flood" is the top how-to on flooding being searched in the UK in the last 24 hours pic.twitter.com/X36weBgVK1
11.26am GMT
Residents in about 5,000 properties in Norfolk have been told to leave their homes, police said, and the number could rise to 7,000 later in the day.
Supt Dave Buckley said: “A multi-agency co-ordinating group has been convened twice to ensure appropriate plans and resources are in place.
10.55am GMT
Eight fire and rescue teams are on standby at Jaywick’s Martello tower, a firefighter has told me.
A smaller team at the community centre is monitoring the situation at the sea wall.
10.53am GMT
Nine schools in Lincolnshire, including five in Skegness, have been shut for the day, according to the county council.
The authority also said the A52 has been closed between Mablethorpe and Trusthorpe as a precaution.
10.52am GMT
Eurostar has cancelled two trains between London and Paris due to “weather conditions” in south-east England and northern France.
A spokeswoman for the firm said all affected passengers were offered seats on other trains.
10.52am GMT
Lincolnshire police chief Neil Rhodes said: “We are relieved that we have got through the night time without a significant incident, but we have got to remain vigilant and on the case for the rest of today.
“We are looking through from now to 6pm when the next raft of high tide reaches the Lincolnshire coast and we have got to look out for that storm surge.
10.51am GMT
In Lincolnshire, 11 people spent the night at the Meridian Centre in Louth after choosing to leave their homes.
The high tide in the early hours of Friday passed without incident along the east coast in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, with the Environment Agency urging caution but saying the picture was “improving”.
10.40am GMT
❄️Some snowy scenes across the UK⛄️ #uksnow pic.twitter.com/x8bUi7T33u
10.37am GMT
The wind has picked up in Jaywick, Essex, where it is bitterly cold and the snow has started to fall again. The tide is rising, and is expected to peak at around midday.
One resident said he had been told that transport to the evacuation centre had been – for the moment at least – suspended.
10.25am GMT
A 4x4 overturned on the A170 in North Yorkshire this morning. No one was injured in the crash at Sutton Bank in the North Yorkshire Moors.
North Yorkshire police tweeted a picture of the white jeep:
#A170 #SuttonBank currently closed due to RTC. Fortunately no injuries, please use alternative route whilst we deal & take care out there pic.twitter.com/5oE57y9mx5
10.23am GMT
WEATHER UPDATE: The morning high tide passed without incident. @East_Riding is now preparing for this evening's tide https://t.co/4rAVQUpleV
10.22am GMT
More from Alexandra Topping on the situation in Jaywick.
I've spoken to other officers who have told me they are in a "holding pattern" after the weather threat in #jaywick has been downgraded.
After being told the evacuation in #jaywick is off by a police officer, have not yet got office confirmation of that from Essex police.
Another officer told me a final decision on #Jaywick evacuation will be made public "hopefully within half an hour"
10.20am GMT
A firefighter waded through freezing water to try to find a missing dog in Middlesbrough.
Three engines raced to the Centre Square lake after the staffordshire terrier was reported missing this morning.
9.53am GMT
Drivers faced disruption on the A1 after a lorry jacknifed in Northumberland.
The rush-hour crash happened on the northbound stretch of the A1 at Brownieside, near the B6347 junction.
Make sure you leave extra time for your journey and drive responsibly when you do get behind the wheel.
The roads across the region are passable with care but some minor roads will be badly affected, particularly in Northumberland, so make sure you reduce your speed.
9.50am GMT
Motorists are being warned to beware of ice and snow on the roads of south-west England and many parts of Wales.
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for the whole of Wales, predicting that up to 4cm of snow could affect even low-lying areas while up to 10cm could cover the hills and mountains.
@WalesOnline @RCTCouncil @INRIXtraffic_W @DerekTheWeather This was the Rhigos Mountain Road at 8:20 pic.twitter.com/iAntewiUig
#snow on the keepers road @GwentandMore @WalesOnline @cathymediawales @southwalesargus pic.twitter.com/TJnc3DJzAA
#winteriscoming Conditions are still icy on #Dartmoor roads - Please take extra care when driving today https://t.co/rPdP3bufbL
M4 Wiltshire earlier tonight, follow check at 131mph!! Freezing temperatures too! #fatal4 pic.twitter.com/onYDaVGAXT
9.36am GMT
Here are some pictures from across the country of the snowfall overnight.
9.23am GMT
If you’ve been affected by the high winds, snow or flood warnings we’d like to hear from you. Are you trying to get to work and have experienced travel chaos? Perhaps your flight has been cancelled or you have been warned that you might be evacuated from your home.
You can share your experiences, photos and videos with us by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on the blog or filling in our form here.
9.21am GMT
Twitter users vented their disappointment with the lack of snow or severe weather in their parts of the country.
The great snow storm has arrived at our house pic.twitter.com/erhNzMEeLD
Bristol snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/mFB4wYNAU0
Saw a van driving with some snow on it. Must have driven in from the snowpocalypse outside the M25. #prayforthecold
Media: OMG its getting close to being snowed in!! Normal People: Carry on nothing to see #Snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/En1xLLdjha
OMG!!!! It's snowmageddon!! pic.twitter.com/zRHht3iRpn
#snowmageddon pic.twitter.com/dorMCrXOk9
Pupils crossing a #snow filled Quad at St John's School this morning. Not quite the #surrey #Snowmageddon we were expecting though! pic.twitter.com/b5bGrPmxUx
9.16am GMT
The number of severe flood warnings by the Environment Agency has dropped to 11. You can see the latest information on the EA’s site here.
There are currently 11 severe flood warnings, 88 warnings and 78 alerts in force in England and Wales.
9.05am GMT
Phil Squire, 57, said he was anxious about the weather but was not leaving his house, which is right on Jaywick’s seafront.
“I’m anxious if I’m honest, but where we live we’re in a position where we can gauge the weather. If it’s looking serious at midday we’ll jump in the car and go.”
Phil Squire, 57, whose house is right next to the coast says he's staying put. "I'm anxious if I'm honest, but we've got a good view." pic.twitter.com/4aV6c02sok
8.56am GMT
About 2,000 homes have lost power and 25 schools are closed in north and north-east Scotland. The Met Office has warned the bout of polar weather could see snow as deep at as 20cm (8in) on higher ground.
The school closures included Kingussie high school in the Cairngorms, as well as four schools in Dumfries and Galloway. Drifting snow, tree falls and weather-related accidents forced the closure of roads across the north and north east, including the A9 near Calvine in Perthshire.
8.52am GMT
In York the severe weather is causing hazardous driving conditions. A car overturned on the A170 at Sutton Bank, and there has been a collision at Staxton Hill, which is closed until further notice.
Police say there have been a number of collisions across the Ryedale and Scarborough area.
8.49am GMT
Manchester airport has warned that the weather is having an effect on flights and has urged travellers to contact their airline.
Due to this morning's weather conditions, we are experiencing some delays. Please contact your airline for specific flight updates.
8.37am GMT
My colleague Alexandra Topping reports that due to a change in winds the evacuation in Jaywick, Essex, will no longer go ahead, according to Essex police.
Spoke to Matt Harkness in #Jaywick who confirmed that as the wind forecast has "changed dramatically" the town is no longer being evacuated
Matt Harkness, Essex police: "We are not evacuating but we are asking people to stay informed, in case we have to scale up the operation"
8.35am GMT
The weather appears to have disrupted fewer schools than feared in the south of England.
Some schools in Surrey have delayed their opening to allow staff and students more time to arrive.
School will be open today but due to icy conditions there will be a late start for all students. Lessons will begin at 10.20 - period 2
Three flakes of snow spotted. It can only be a matter of time until I’m asked ‘Will school be closing?’ (and not necessarily by a student )
8.31am GMT
Parts of northern England woke up to blankets of snow this morning.
Following weather warnings from the Met Office, snow finally started falling across Greater Manchester late on Thursday.
8.21am GMT
Some residents in Jaywick are reluctant to evacuate and have refused to leave, according to reports by the Press Association (PA).
Iris Smith, who was walking her dog on the beach this morning, said she was not worried. She told PA:
I’m not going at all. We have had it before with all the panic - knocking on doors, waking you up in the early hours - and nothing happened last time.
I am not worried at all. We are a big family down here, we look after each other,” the 62-year-old added, despite living seven houses back from the sea wall.
I have animals, I also have a big fear of crime.
Unfortunately Clacton and Jaywick have a high crime rate and recently it’s been ridiculously bad for burglaries and I think it would be rich pickings for someone prepared to look around and see who’s there and who isn’t.
8.14am GMT
It is all quiet in Jaywick this morning, with camera crews and journalists far outnumbering residents this early in the morning.
After heavy rain last night, skies are clear, although temperatures are around 2C to 3C (35F to 37F).
Police in #Jaywick are patrolling the town to give reassurance to residents. The call has not yet come to begin evacuation, officers told me pic.twitter.com/rvLF8WCot7
8.10am GMT
The Environment Agency chief executive, Sir James Bevan, has been speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He said he did not think the storm would be as powerful as that which caused the east coast flood of 1953, which has been described as the worst national peacetime disaster to hit the UK. But he said there could be “potentially significant effects” – including flooding:
It’s very important to underline that there are two high tides today coming down the east coast, north to south.
The first is coming in at the moment slightly under the height that we expected, the second, due this evening, may come out slightly higher than has been anticipated.
8.09am GMT
Emergency services in Essex are preparing to assist with the evacuation.
07:15 Crews ready to assist with the evacuation in Jaywick https://t.co/dldeowI6Pi pic.twitter.com/cSklLuMd2S
8.05am GMT
John Curtin, executive director of flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, has posted information about the height of waves heading toward the east coast, which he says will be crucial.
Wave heights & direction will be key to east coast flood risk today - you can track them here #floodaware https://t.co/SGW22K9Yjn pic.twitter.com/WWjBQLony9
8.02am GMT
The number of severe flood warnings has dropped again to 13, the Environment Agency said.
There are currently 13 severe flood warnings, 82 warnings and 80 alerts in force in England and Wales.
7.57am GMT
My colleague, Alexandra Topping, is in Jaywick, Essex, where residents are being evacuated due to severe flood risk.
Some residents were moved to temporary accommodation overnight but otherwise all is fairly quiet, she reports.
Quiet sunrise in #Jaywick this morning where residents have been told to evacuate the town because of #flooding risk today. pic.twitter.com/iItHJtDo7s
7.51am GMT
Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon which looks set to make an appearance in the UK over the next couple of days.
Here’s a video explainer of what thundersnow actually is.
7.47am GMT
There are now 16 Environment Agency severe flood warnings issued for England and Wales, which you can see here.
Severe warnings constitute danger to life. There are also 78 warnings, which suggest flooding is expected and immediate action is required and 80 alerts, which mean flooding is possible and residents should be prepared.
7.44am GMT
The British Red Cross has placed volunteers on standby to support emergency services.
Volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire are preparing to support affected residents in rest centres.
We're ready to respond to the storm surge on England's east coast, with volunteers in Essex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire.
7.33am GMT
Suffolk police are warning residents to keep away from coastal areas.
The waves and high water may look impressive but pose a huge danger so please avoid seafront and quay areas #NothingToSeeHere #SuffolkFloods pic.twitter.com/egJbS8tjdy
7.31am GMT
Snow and strong winds have made driving hazardous in the north-east of England, according to reports.
The official North East Traffic News Twitter feed reported that up to 50 cars were stuck on a slip road off the A1 at Etal Lane, Newcastle.
Heavy #snow currently across #Scotland. Tulloch Bridge in Inverness-shire has received 8cm in the past hour, taking their total to 17cm ❄️ pic.twitter.com/01UAwPs6LF
7.25am GMT
The number of areas where flooding poses a threat to life has been increased to 12 by the Environment Agency.
The severe warnings are in place for coastal areas of Essex and Suffolk while dozens of lesser flood warnings have been imposed as the east coast braces itself for a storm surge.
7.20am GMT
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the severe weather forecast to cause havoc across much of Britain.
Here is a summary of the picture across the country:
Continue reading...