Tidal surge could cause flooding in Broads and on Suffolk and Norfolk coasts

The Broads are a network of more than 125 miles (201km) of lock-free rivers and lakes across Norfolk and Suffolk

A tidal surge could cause flooding in the Broads and along coastline of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Environment Agency has warned.

The agency said flooding might occur on Thursday afternoon and Friday.

Officers from the agency are currently monitoring for signs of "tide locking" on the Broads, in which a raised sea level prevents rivers from draining out to sea.

This prevention of water from draining can lead to flooding, the agency said.

Tides in the area are expected to be high in the next few days as a result of a tidal surge coming down the east coast.

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The surge is being caused by a low-pressure system and strong winds in the North Sea.

Taken together, these natural processes can lead to flood defences being breached.

Marcus Sibley, of the local area leadership team at the Environment Agency, said: "Please remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades.

"We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and exposed coasts and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm (1ft) of flowing water is enough to move your car."

The agency said there could be some "smaller impacts" at places such as Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft during the next few days as a result of the surge and strong winds.