September's high tides in the Hull area will necessitate the use of the tidal barrier, the Environment Agency said. With high tides for the region forecast for 9-11 September and 7-10 October, the agency is planning flood prevention measures for the area.
The barrier is raised when tides are predicted above 4.2m - the new tides are predicted at 4.48m and may not be as high again until 2015.
The highest tide recorded locally was 5.05m in February, 1983.
The barrier and the frontal defences successfully protect about 1,800 homes from flooding and are used on average eight times a year, the agency said.
Warnings Direct
"Should a major flood incident occur, we would work with the council and emergency services to ensure that the city is prepared for such an event," the agency added.
"There are 1,680 homes in Hull city centre that are eligible to sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct.
"However, only 490 households (29%) in the city have signed up. This compares to a regional average of 47%.
"We advise Hull residents to call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find out if they can register for our free service that provides flood warnings by telephone, mobile, fax or pager."
Floodline Warnings Direct alerts properties when there is a risk of flooding, giving people valuable time to take the necessary precautions to protect their property.
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