Environment Agency staff are working around the clock to minimise flood risk and to protect people, property and land. Teams are out clearing trash screens, inspecting coastal defences, and checking river levels.

Richard O’Callaghan, Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

We’re expecting to see a combination of high tides and winds leading to an increased tidal surge for Saturday around midday. Due to Storm Brian we are currently assessing key areas at risk on the current forecasts and planning for our response.

With a particularly high tide due in Yarmouth at midday tomorrow, we will be moving 100 metres of temporary barrier to the Isle of Wight today, ready to deploy in the morning. We will also be putting the boards into the RNLI slipway in Lymington this evening, as well as closing the gates tonight and tomorrow for the high tides.

Anyone concerned should act now and sign up to our free Flood Warning Service so they can be ready to take action if they get these warnings to protect themselves and their property. Please check your flood risk and sign up for our free warnings at gov.uk/flood or by calling 0345 988 1188. You can also get the latest updates on Twitter by following us at @EnvAgencySE.

We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and we urge communities to be aware of their risk and be ready to act.

For media enquiries, contact 0800 141 2743.

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

• Operator name: Western United Mines Limited
• Installation name: South Crofty Mine
• Permit number: EPR/PP3936YU/A001

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

• Operator name: Dunton Environmental Limited
• Installation name: Horseley Field Waste Treatment Facility
• Permit number: EPR/BP3331DD/A001

Total legal costs incurred by Defra in relation to the national air quality plans for nitrogen dioxide broken down by total expense for each stage since 2015.

The Environment Agency is urging people to remain vigilant to potential coastal flooding as high winds and rain is forecast to hit the Dorset coast on Saturday.

Current forecasts show a low pressure storm arriving on Saturday 21 October which, combined with close-to-spring tides, means flood warnings are likely to be issued along the Dorset coast.

Areas likely to be impacted include West Bay, Lyme Regis, Poole Harbour, Chiswell, Preston Beach and Christchurch.

Rachel Jacobs of the Environment Agency said:

We urge people to take care on the Dorset coast this weekend. Strong winds pose a risk of waves overtopping defences and whilst coastal storms can look dramatic, we strongly advise against “wave watching” or taking “storm selfies”.

Please take note of road closures and don’t attempt to walk or drive through flood water. Just 30cm of flowing water can move a car and driving through water can also create waves.

Environment Agency teams have been working around the clock to check flood defences and have been taking precautionary measures such as closing tidal gates. Teams will continue to be out this weekend and are ready to respond to flooding.

The Environment Agency continue to monitor the situation and will review plans as and when the forecast changes.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up to flood warnings on the Environment Agency website. People can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Once registered, if a flood warning is issued, they will receive an automatic message by telephone, SMS text message, email and/or fax.

Find out how to prepare for flooding and if your home is at risk.