A flood alert has been issued along the Thames riverside in east London.

River levels are set to be high from Dartford Creek and The Mardyke to the Thames Barrier, with a high tide forecasted at the Thames Barrier at 4 pm today (February 13).

The government website says water will be maintained within the downstream network of flood defences, but low-lying footpaths and open spaces could flood for one to two hours around the high tide.

It said: "River levels are expected to be high as a result of spring tides and a closure of the Thames Barrier."

The area covered by the alert stretches from North Woolwich to Barking Riverside and Rainham.

Romford Recorder: The area covered by the flood alertThe area covered by the flood alert (Image: gov.uk)

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The website, managed by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, publishes flood warnings and alerts whenever a flooding is expected.

It said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and an incident response team are out on the ground ensuring all flood gates are closed.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid floodwater and also to keep abreast of updates to the forecast as further Thames Barrier closures are possible”, it added.

It will issue an update by 8pm.