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News: Norfolk coast gets hi-tech flood warning signs

In a sign of things to come, a hi-tech flood warning scheme has been installed on a vulnerable section of the Norfolk coast.

Signs powered by solar panels have been installed by the Environment Agency to warn people that a Precautionary Evacuation Notice (PEN) has been issued and that they should take action.

The agency has been working with Norfolk Police and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to improve safety on the Norfolk coast, which is particularly vulnerable to tidal flooding if there is a high tide and adverse weather conditions.

In 2004 the new PEN procedure was introduced near the communities of Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham to give people more warning of a potential flood allowing them to leave the area during daylight. The idea is to issue the warning several hours before a high tide is due which could cause flooding. The area also includes a caravan park.

The final part of the project was to erect the signs that will be operated when a PEN is issued. There will be 11 signs, five of which will be alongside roads that enter the vulnerable area.

These will be solar powered signs (with a battery backup) which will power flashing lights to alert drivers to the fact that a PEN is in force.

They are mechanically operated and detail the time and date of when the PEN runs from and to.

The solar panels offer an environmentally friendly option to powering the signs.

There are also six smaller similar signs aimed at attracting the attention of pedestrians entering the area, The signs will be maintained and operated by the Environment Agency’s Operations Delivery team.

Lorraine Bates, Environment Agency emergency planner said: "Tidal flooding can happen very fast and there is a real risk to people and property."

"By taking these precautionary measures the dangers caused by tidal flooding can be reduced and risks to the communities in Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham minimised."

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