The Scarborough and Ryedale team is interviewd by television crews during a previous flood alert. Photo: Scarborough and Ryedale MRT

Mountain rescue teams are on standby to help communities along the North Sea coast in anticipation of flooding.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for coastal towns from Essex to Northumberland.

The warnings mean flooding is expected and immediate action is needed. A combination of high tides and strong winds mean sea defences along the coast are likely to be breached. Towns along the south coast and the Bristol Channel are also at risk.

Three severe flood warnings have been issued to areas in Essex, meaning there is a danger to life.

Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team said: “Just over 12 months after the York floods we are deploying for the anticipated tidal flood surge along the east coast.

“Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team is deploying overnight to Sandsend. Our water assets and Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team are deploying to Whitby. Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team and the York Rescue Boat are deploying to Scarborough along with two of our incident controllers.

“We also have one of our incident controllers based in silver control as an adviser and to coordinate our deployments.

“We anticipate deploying for at least the next two high tides.”

The Scarborough team added its new rescue boat is likely to be used before its official handover by donors Pickering and District Rotary Club.

The Environment Agency said: “The high tide levels combined with strong waves could result in wave overtopping.

“Coastal properties could be at risk. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the coast as any exposed coastal locations may see wave action and windblown spray.”

Flood warnings for England and Wales can be seen on the Government website.

Parts of the Aberdeenshire coast and the Moray Firth have also had flood warnings issued. Details are on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.