Flood alerts issued for parts of Norfolk as heavy rain hits

Three alerts have been issued this morning with people advised to "be prepared".

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain that began yesterday at 6am and is due to remain in place until 9am today. 

An Environment Agency map showing the locations of the flood alerts (Image: The Environment Agency) In the east of the county, the alert covers the areas surrounding the tidal River Yare from Thorpe St Andrew to Breydon Water including Brundall, Cantley, Reedham and Burgh Castle.

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The agency says minor flooding to riverside roads and footpaths is likely today and the high tide at Great Yarmouth will restrict the Broads river system from draining out to sea, resulting in higher than normal water levels within the Broads.

An Environment Agency map showing the location of two of the flood alerts (Image: The Environment Agency)High water levels are expected in the Brundall and Reedham riverside areas.

On the border with Suffolk, an alert has been issued as minor flooding to riverside roads and footpaths is likely from 8am around the tidal River Waveney from Ellingham to Breydon Water including Beccles Quay, Oulton Broad, Somerleyton, St Olaves, Haddiscoe and Belton.

The area surrounding the Hundred Foot Washes is likely to experience flooding (Image: The Environment Agency) In the west of the county, the area surrounding the Hundred Foot Washes near Downham Market and Welney has also received an alert. 

Locals are warned to take care on waterside roads and footpaths and to not put themselves in unnecessary danger. 

The Environment Agency says it will likely need to issue more warning messages for a wider area over the next few days.