Storms brought floods to southern England in 2000

Seaside towns in Norfolk, Suffolk and on the Bristol Channel have been warned tides in September and October may be the highest for the next 20 years.

But the Environment Agency said the flood defences currently in place were sufficient to cope with the tides.

It said there would be problems only if it coincided with unusually severe weather conditions.

The tides are expected to be about 4cm higher than normal for the time of year.

The Environment Agency has been holding road shows for residents to explain emergency procedures.

"We are telling people to be aware and vigilant," a spokesman said.

"The tides should not cause any problems unless coupled with storm surges and severe weather conditions."

'Little difference'

The spring tides are expected on the 9 and 11 September and the 7 and 10 October.

Flood defences are designed to take account of this and we are not currently expecting any problems Environment Agency

"In practical terms this makes little difference to the risk of flooding," the Environment Agency spokesman said.

"Flood defences are designed to take account of this and we are not currently expecting any problems."

The Met Office said low pressure in the Atlantic that is bringing unsettled weather to north-western districts will spread southwards by the middle of this week.

Rain, accompanied by sunshine and blustery showers, is expected to affect all parts of the country, but temperatures should remain about average.

A spokesman said it was too early to provide specific details on conditions around the time of the spring tides.