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Cameron views tidal surge damage in flood hit town

David Cameron surveyed the extent of the flood damage as he visited a town hit by last week's tidal surge. The Prime Minister visited Wells-next-the-Sea in north Norfolk and met those whose properties were damaged.

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What is a tidal surge?

Eastern coastal areas are being warned to prepare for possible flooding as a tidal surge combines with strong winds and high tide.

Waves in Southwold, Suffolk in 2007 Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

A tidal surge is cause by wind driving water towards the shore, as well as low pressure. When strong winds combine with very low pressure they can raise the sea level in eastern England by more than two metres, according to the Environment Agency.

Tonight, a tidal surge is due to conincide with high tide which could mean water levels are as high as they were during the floods of 1953.

Read: Environment Agency increases flood warnings

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