Large waves could lash England’s south coast as Storm Ciarán hits, the Environment Agency warned on Wednesday amid flooding fears.
People were advised to “take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades”.
The agency also urged people across swathes of England to prepare for “possible significant inland” flooding from Wednesday to Friday due to the looming storm.
Heavy rain is expected to start from 6pm on Wednesday in the south west and to spread further overnight to the Midlands and parts of the north west and north east and into Thursday.
Widespread flood alerts and warnings are expected to be issued.
The agency said the locations and times of particular concern are overnight on Wednesday through to Thursday for fluvial impacts and the Thursday morning tide on the south coast, particularly between Dorset and East Sussex.
Ben Lukey, EA flood duty manager, said just after midday on Wednesday: “Large waves and onshore gales brought by Storm Ciarán could see significant flooding along parts of the south coast tomorrow, while minor impacts are possible along the coast from Dorset to Sussex this evening and along parts of the Yorkshire and North East coasts on Thursday.
“Rain from the storm could also see significant surface water and river flooding across parts of the West, South and North East of England from later today until Friday, with minor impacts possible more widely on Saturday due to further showers.
“We urge people to stay safe on the coast and to remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades. Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people must avoid driving through flood water, as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
Mobile barriers at Exeter, which are part of the flood defence scheme, are being deployed and demountable and temporary barriers are already in place or ready to be installed along the River Severn.
People can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if they have any concerns.
Londoners have also been urged not to take risks as the capital is set to be battered by Storm Ciarán’s heavy rains and winds of up to 60mph.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Suri said a cold front would bring bursts of heavy rain and coastal gusts of 60 to 70mph along the south coast on Wednesday.
He said: "Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciaran are in force from Wednesday night onwards into Friday.
"As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the UK.
"Much of southern England and south Wales, as well as parts of north Wales, northeast England, southeast Scotland and perhaps the east of Northern Ireland look to see the wettest conditions between Wednesday evening and Friday morning."
He stressed that 20 to 25mm of rain may fall in many places with 40 to 60mm possible over higher ground.
