A large tidal surge is expected along part of the Kent coast this afternoon and people have been warned that it could cause flooding.

The Environmental Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Medway and Medway estuary.

The areas at risk of flooding include Aylesford, Larkfield, Wouldham, the Medway Towns, Upnor, Hoo and Lower Halstow.

The tide will peak at 2.45pm today, however flood conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide.

It is expected to affect properties, roads and low-lying land nearest the estuary, in particular around Lower Upnor, Canal Road, Strood and outer parts of the Medway Estuary.

The Environmental Agency is closely monitoring the situation and its incident response staff are checking and operating its defences and structures, whilst liaising with emergency services.

Residents have been advised to move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety.

You can view the flood alerts here.

Elsewhere, floodgates have been closed in Herne Bay and Whitstable as winds pick up and the Environemnt Agency believes the 3pm tide will be higher than expected.

However, at about 5.45pm, the Environment Agency said the flood warning on the River Medway and Medway estuary was no longer in force and the situation was improving and no further flooding was expected.

But warned flood warnings and alerts may still be in force for surrounding areas.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway