Brits in 12 areas told 'ACT NOW' as red alerts issued across parts of UK

Red alerts have been issued in 12 parts of the UK with locals being told to act urgently to protect their homes and businesses.

Three parts of England are at risk of flooding, as are another nine areas of Scotland. The main risk today appears to be from tidal waves hitting coastal parts of the British Isles.

In England, red alerts have been issued for the Tidal Fal Estuary, the South Cornwall coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head excluding the Tidal Fal Estuary, and the South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head.

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On its flood alerts page, the EA said while the risk of flooding from the sea has reduced, with property flooding unlikely, the waters could still crash into "low lying land and roads" after today's high tides.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has issued act now warnings for Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay, Outer Wigtown Bay, Inner Wigtown Bay, Seilebost and Luskentyre, Lochmaddy, Locheport, Baleshare, Ardmore to Loch Carnan, and Stornoway.

SEPA explained the flood risk has been caused by a combination of "high tides, surge and prevailing weather conditions", which has made flooding from the sea a possibility.

It warned that some properties are at risk of flooding, as are low lying roads. People living in the red alert areas were sent a flood warning through email, SMS and/or phone.

The EA advises people to keep up to date with developments with the check for flooding service and to sign up for flood warnings with floodline.

Brits at risk of immediate flooding are advised to urgently switch off all gas, electricity and water supplies when it is safe to do so. Family, vehicles, pets and important items should be moved to higher ground and flood protection products - like flood barriers or air brick covers - should be deployed if you have them on hand.

It's worth following advice from your local council or emergency services sites in case an urgent evacuation order is issued.

In the event of your home being ruined by floodwater, you can contact your local council to apply for emergency accommodation. However, people should avoid travelling through floodwater as it could contain dangerous debris like broken drains and manhole covers, and escaped sewage.

If you need to pump water from your property, it can be quite an involved process that may require a permit if you're dumping it into bodies of water, public sewers and street drains. The fire brigade can help but may charge a fee.

Full list of "ACT NOW" red alerts England

• Tidal Fal Estuary
• The South Cornwall coast from Lizard Point to Gribbin Head exclusing the Tidal Fal Estuary
• The South Cornwall coast from Gribbin Head to Rame Head

Scotland

• Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay
• Outer Wigtown Bay
• Inner Wigtown Bay
• Seilebost and Luskentyre
• Lochmaddy
• Locheport
• Baleshare
• Ardmore to Loch Carnan
• Stornoway