FLOOD precautions are being out in place ahead of this weekend's high tides. The autumn equinox brings the highest tides of the year today, tomorrow and Sunday. It could cause flooding if they coincide with stormy weather such as high winds and wave surges like the conditions of October two years ago. Some properties by the Back Beach experienced flooding during those high tides. The Environment Agency has issued advice to coastal residents. Spokesman Tim Wood said: 'Although we know that the predicted tide levels are high we won't know until the weekend what the local weather conditions will be. 'The weather is a major influence on whether the tides will cause flood problems. However, it is important that everyone living on the coast or in a tidal area is aware of the risk and is prepared,' he said. Devon County Council's highways officers have arranged for extra gully and drain inspections with additional cleansing to ensure fast dispersal of floodwater. Information from the Met Office will be monitored by the county council's emergency planners. 'Officers will be on alert all weekend ready to implement the Devon Flood Warning and Response Plan if needed,' said County Cllr Brian Berman, executive member for communities. 'If any properties were flooded and people evacuated, we would set up rest centres to provide temporary shelter for those affected'.
