Part of the seafront in North Devon has been closed ahead of further anticipated high tides. Spring tides have already caused chaos across the South West, with severe flooding along several coastlines in Devon and Cornwall and experts predict more disruption is on the way overnight tonight, Tuesday, April 9.
The Environment Agency has warned that flooding is possible along the North Devon coast, including at Bideford, Appledore and Instow, where the seafront road was closed ahead of this morning's expected high tide. Devon Alert has announced this afternoon that Marine Parade will remain closed 'until further notice' because more high spring tides are expected.
In an update on X, formerlly known as Twitter, the Devon County Council-run account said: "Marine Parade, Instow will remain closed until further notice due to predicted high tides. Due to the expected high tide this morning. The seafront at Instow is currently closed. Please avoid the area."
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Flooding is possible in the area at high tide both tonight and one Wednesday morning, the Environment Agency has said. As strong winds persist, waves of around 2.5m are forecast to crash into the North Devon Coast, breaching sea defences.
Locals are warned to stay away from areas at risk of flooding and take care at the coast. The Met Office says wind speeds of around 40mph will continue to rip through the area, causing large waves and sea spray. Three flood alerts are currently in place in Devon and locals living in these areas have been told to 'be prepared'.
Devon flood alerts
North Devon coast from Hartland Point to Lynmouth
Flooding is possible over the evening high tide on Tuesday, April 9, and both the high tides of Wednesday, April 10. High water at Ilfracombe on Tuesday evening is at 7.30pm. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Force 5 westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 2.5m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations. Expect tides to be around 90mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.Keep up to date with weather and tide conditions on local radio. We will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as required.
Flood alert area: Coastal and tidal areas between Hartland Point and Lynmouth, including the Taw Torridge estuary.
South Devon Estuaries
Flooding is possible over the high tide on Wednesday morning, April 10. High water at Plymouth on Wednesday morning is at 7.45am. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
Force 5 south westerly winds and offshore wave heights of over 1.3 m are forecast to cause wave overtopping of sea defences and sea spray in exposed coastal locations. Expect tides to be around 120 mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast.
Keep up to date with weather and tide conditions here. The EA will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as required.
Flood alert area: Low-lying areas and communities in the Erme, Avon, Kingsbridge, Dart, Teign and Exe Estuaries.
South Cornwall coast from Rame Head to Plymouth including tidal estuaries
Flooding is possible over the morning and evening high tides on Wednesday, April 10.
High water at Plymouth is 07.42am and 8.03pm on Wednesday. However, conditions may apply two hours either side of the high tide. Times of high water will vary along the coast.
On Wednesday, force 6 south to south westerly winds and wave heights of up to 3m are forecast to cause overtopping of sea defences and spray in exposed coastal areas. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast. Keep up to date with weather and tide conditions before travelling. Expect tides to be up to 130mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.
Coastal conditions should ease for Thursday morning's high tide. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and issue an update by midday on Wednesday, April 10.
Flood alert area: Rame Head to Plymouth including Kingsand, Cawsand, Cremyll, Torpoint, Saltash, tidal rivers Tamar and Plym excluding Plymouth Barbican.
