COASTAL towns have been put on flood alert as Sussex prepares for its highest tide of the year.

Environment Agency experts are warning seafront residents and businesses to be prepared in case of high seas and stormy conditions.

Council officials in high-risk areas such as Pevensey Bay, Rye and around Newhaven are on standby for potential flooding this weekend.

Emergency services are also on alert to deal with problems caused by a combination of high tides and onshore winds.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Midnight this Saturday will be the highest tide this year, and if other factors are in play that could lead to flooding in some areas.

"We have issued a warning just to make people aware of their surroundings and the problems that could occur."

Experts are monitoring conditions using the latest computer technology, but warn they still cannot predict the weather for certain.

Pevensey Bay has been regularly hit by floods over the years and many residents are still campaigning for sea defences.

Eastbourne borough meteorologist Keith Sawyer warned that the weather would be unsettled for days to come.

He said: "It's not unusual to have these high tides at this time of year and bad weather can make flooding worse because it whips the waves up."

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