Lifeboat team 'fearing worst' as bad weather forecast

A lifeboat service said it was "fearing the worst" after bad weather was expected to cause significant erosion to a coastline.

The Hemsby coastline, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, has suffered severe erosion over recent years with strong winds and high tides stripping more away in October.

Several Met Office weather warnings were in place for the area over the next few days as Storm Darragh hits.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said it was supporting residents.

Daniel Hurd, coxswain of Hemsby Lifeboat service, said it was on "high alert".

"We are fearing the worst and taking special measures to prepare residents for what we think could be very challenging conditions for them," he said.

Those living along the Marrams - the road which sits closest to the shore - were urged to avoid the cliff edge and park their vehicles in safer areas.

The lifeboat service said residents should also prepare for any possible evacuations and it hoped to set up a rest centre for those who may need to leave their homes.

Hemsby Lifeboat service's ramp was left destroyed in October from coastal erosion meaning the boat could no longer attend emergencies.

Lifeboats from either Caister or Gorleston have to respond to emergencies, Mr Hurd previously said.

A spokesperson for the council said it remained "vigilant" and would "monitor the situation".

"Unfortunately the dunes in Hemsby are vulnerable to continued erosion and, now we are in storm season, we want to provide as much warning and support as we can to those residents who might be affected in a location which is seeing the all-too-real impact of coastal erosion," they said.

Council workers would visit properties in the area to offer support, they said, adding that only two of the most at risk properties were still occupied.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.