A FLOOD warning has been issued for Maldon waterfront and the Hythe area.

The warning means that flooding is expected and immediate action is required.

High water is due at 0.15am tomorrow with the warning in force until 2am.

The Government’s flood information service website said: “We are currently experiencing high tide levels on the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex Coasts, this is due to a combination of spring tides and a tidal surge. In addition there are gale force winds expected which may cause large waves and sea spray.

“The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities.”

Flood alerts have also been issued for the Blackwater Estuary and the River Crouch.

The warning was first issued for the Essex coast on Wednesday with forecast high water expected at 11pm yesterday.

It affects the coast from St Peters Flat to Clacton including the Blackwater Estuaries and the River Colne.

A second flood is for St Peters Flat to Shoeburyness including the Crouch and Roach Estuaries.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said they were monitoring the situation.

In a statement the council said: “Flood Alerts have also been issued by the Environments Agency for the whole of the Blackwater Estuary area.

“This is the lowest level of notification and means that flooding is possible and residents should be prepared.

“The severe weather situation of both rain and strong winds is likely to reach its peak at lunchtime this afternoon, Friday, January 13.

“The District Council is working closely with its partners in Essex Police and other authorities to constantly assess the situation and we are aware that the police have taken steps in Jaywick to evacuated residents from their homes.

“Further information on this is available here https://www.essex.police.uk/news/news-and-features/2017/01jan/evacuation-of-jaywick-residents/ “The risk of flooding to residents of the Maldon District is not considered to be high and currently no evacuations are planned.”

For the latest information visit flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk.

The public are advised to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 if they have any concerns about their safety or that of their family. In an emergency the public should call 999.

People can also call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for the latest flood warnings in their own area.

Update 3pm

Maldon District Council has issued another statement confirming no evacuations are planned for Maldon.

In a statement the council said: "An Environment Agency Flood Warning remains in place for Maldon Town waterfront and the Hythe.  Flood Alerts are also still in place across our area for the Blackwater Estuary and River Crouch.

"The risk of flooding to residents of the Maldon District is not considered to be high and no evacuations are planned.

"However, owing to a combination of spring tides, tidal surge and high winds there is still a risk of waves over topping sea walls along the Maldon District coast line.

"The next high tide will be around 00:15am Friday night/Saturday morning. Residents should be prepared and keep themselves informed."