Flood alerts remain in place for Dartford today after the banks of the Thames burst yesterday afternoon.

The coast from Dartford has been given an alert because of a high tide expected at Sheerness at 1.45pm today. This tide is forecast to be lower than yesterday’s tide.

The Environment Agency said: "Key coastal areas at greatest risk include Royal Pier Road and Gordon Promenade in Gravesend. People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast."

Residents should be prepared for flooding until this afternoon.

Yesterday the Environment Agency issued the flood warnings for Dartford and Crayford and said it expected water levels to be almost a metre higher than usual and overtop coastal defences.

The Woolwich Ferry had to shut due to the high tide as the ships were too high over the loading ramps for anyone to get on board. The ferry service is back to normal today.

The weather over the weekend should be mainly cloudy and windy in the south east.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "People are advised to stay away from risk areas and take care next to the coast. We will continue to monitor the situation and reissue this alert for any subsequent tides if required."