HOMEOWNERS along the Suffolk coast were put on alert tonight after the Environment Agency confirmed there was a heightened risk of flooding.The organisation issued a flood warning for the coast between Shingle Street and Hopton, in Norfolk - including Lowestoft, Southwold and Aldeburgh - at around 5.

HOMEOWNERS along the Suffolk coast were put on alert tonight after the Environment Agency confirmed there was a heightened risk of flooding.

The organisation issued a flood warning for the coast between Shingle Street and Hopton, in Norfolk - including Lowestoft, Southwold and Aldeburgh - at around 5.40pm.

The second level of warning in the three-category system means that flooding of homes and businesses is expected and advises people to “act now”.

The Environment Agency said pets, vehicles, food, valuables and other items should be moved to safety, sandbags and floodboards should be put in place, people should be prepared to evacuate their homes and to turn off their gas and electricity.

David Kemp, team leader of the Ipswich-based flood incident team at the Environment Agency, last night said they were “poised” to receive reports of flooding.

He added: “We have issued warnings for the morning tides tomorrow (Wednesday) from Cromer to Shingle Street and we have issued flood watches for the rest of the east coast to Southend.

“We also have warnings issued on the Broads.

“As of yet we have no reported cases of flooding but with the high tide not expected in Cromer until 2am, Great Yarmouth at 4.10am, Lowestoft at 4.30am and Felixstowe at 6.45am we wouldn't expect to see many this evening.”

The lesser warning of flood watch means flooding of low-lying land and areas is expected. It says people should watch water levels, stay tuned in to the information sources and make sure they have what they need to put their flood plans into action.

Neighbours, particularly the elderly, should be alerted while livestock and pets should be checked and travel plans should be reconsidered.