People have been told to avoid walking at the seafront due to a risk of flooding and large waves which could throw shingle and debris.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for today for Climping seafront which, coupled with gale force winds, means the beach will be unsafe.

High tide, at 3.15pm today, will be higher than normal due to unsettled weather, gale force winds and large waves.

Flooding is expected for two hours either side of high tide, and according to the national body "small amounts of water" will flood land and fields at Climping.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: "Waves will overtop the sea front, directing water westwards along Mill Lane from the right of the East car park, towards properties on Climping Street.

"Water may pond near property and in Climping Street Car Park. Large waves, a similarly high tide and minor flood impacts are forecast early Thursday morning too."

Large waves will continue throughout the week, but the risk of flooding should reduce as tides fall by Friday.

Because shingle and debris can be thrown by large waves, people are told to avoid walking at the sea front or parking at Climping Street Car Park.