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Thursday, January 12, 2017

Flooding threat forces Essex village evacuation

The village of Jaywick in Essex is to be evacuated due to potential flooding caused by rain and strong winds.

Police officers are calling at homes to warn the village's 4,665 residents of the evacuation, which is to start at 7am on Friday.

A rest centre has been set up for use until homes "are deemed safe to return to".

Chief inspector Russ Cole said: "This decision has not been taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of all residents to ensure their safety until the severe weather passes."

:: UK weather: The latest Sky News forecast

Essex Police said officers would patrol the village "to ensure property left unattended is as secure as possible".

It comes as residents along the east coast of England are being warned of the risk of large waves as gale-force winds combine with high tides.

Environment Agency spokesperson Mark Sitton-Kent said the conditions "could cause flooding to coastal roads and could impact properties".

Some 5,200 metres of temporary barriers and 25 pumps have been moved to depots and towns including Newcastle upon Tyne, Blythe, Great Yarmouth, Chelmsford, Rye and Trustthorpe and South Ferriby in Lincolnshire.

The army has been placed on standby, Mr Sitton-Kent added.

Elsewhere across the UK, dozens of flights have been cancelled ahead of possible snowfall later on Thursday.

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