Kent Warned on Heavy Rain, Gales, and High Tides...

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 14th Aug 2007

With bad weather expected across the country this week the Environment Agency is reminding people in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent to take care if out near the coast.

The Met Office is expecting a period of unseasonably wet and windy weather to affect England and Wales this week.

Also, gales are likely to reach up to 50mph in places and possibly 60mph on exposed coasts. The expected weather could cause some disruption to the transport system and to holidaymakers.

Along the coast there will be Spring tides today. This will coincide with strong winds in the English Channel and some flood watches may be issued. At this time, the risk of widespread flooding remains low but the Environment Agency is reminding people to extra take care if they are out by the coast as high water levels combined with wind could cause some spray overtopping flood defences.

Environment Agency staff are currently checking our flood defences, ensuring rivers are free from debris, monitoring river flows, levels and rain gauge stations.

The Environment Agency provides a 24 hour Floodline 0845 988 1188 service. Flood warning information can be obtained for your area, or an operator can give advice over the phone 24 hours a day. Flood Warnings in force can also be viewed on the Environment Agency's web site at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.