Gales and tides cause more floods in Devon and Cornwall

Kingsbridge in Devon is one of several areas to have been hit by coastal flooding twice in 24 hours

Coastal communities are on alert in the South West as strong winds, low pressure and a heavy swell combine with one of the highest tides of the year.

The Met Office has a yellow "be aware" warning in force until midnight, with gale or severe gale force winds expected and gusts of up to 60mph.

Looe and Mevagissey in Cornwall and Kingsbridge in Devon have been flooded for the second time in 24 hours.

The sea breached Looe harbour about 19:00 BST, flooding some properties.

Flood water has also been coming up through drains in the town's main street.

The Torpoint ferry had planned to suspend its crossings between Devon and Cornwall for two hours from 19:00 BST around high tide, but a spokesman said it had been able to keep one ferry in service.

Devon County Council said, with waves of up to 4m (13ft) forecast, people should keep away from harbours and sea defence walls.

'Wind surges'

The Environment Agency has numerous flood warnings in place across the region.

Agency spokesman David Bunt said staff worked through the night on Tuesday monitoring high tide levels, closing sea defences and checking pumping stations and they would continue to do so throughout the rest of the week.

"With the high spring tides, and anticipated wind surges, our teams are working hard to ensure we are prepared and are working with our professional partners to make sure the public are aware of the risk," he said.

"People should be aware that there could be a lot of water in coastal areas, so avoid trying to drive or walk through any flood water and be sensible when out and about, particularly around the coast.

Some properties in Looe, which suffered tidal flooding on Wednesday morning, have been hit again

"Now is a good time for anyone who lives in an area vulnerable to flooding to think about the precautions they can take to protect their properties."

Incidents reported earlier in Cornwall included:

• Widespread tidal flooding in Looe, which saw a Spar shop, two restaurants, a fish market and some roads affected. The water later receded

• The Ship Inn in Mevagissey suffering about 4 ins (10cm) of flooding. Some other village businesses also confirmed flooding, but the water later receded

• The village bridge in Tresillian, near Truro, flooding

• Flooding and surface water over part of Causeway Road in Hayle as a result of high tide and storm surge

• A tree falling at Praze-an-Beeble, near Camborne

• The cancellation of the 08:30 BST Scillonian ferry service between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly because of adverse weather

• Trains suspended between Liskeard and Looe due to flooding. First Great Western is to use road transport instead

In Devon, high tides in Bideford flooded part of the Clarence Wharf car park, and strong winds and tides caused high sea levels along Paignton's seafront.

Exmouth's Esplanade was closed due to flooding between St Andrews Road and Carlton Hill.