The town of Jaywick in Essex has been evacuated due to the potential storm surge later today. The seaside town was inundated with water during the North Sea flood of 1953 and has lived under the threat of flooding for decades.

Earlier this year it was revealed that confidential plans had been discussed to protect London from future storm surges. These included sacrificing parts of Essex and Kent in order to protect the capital.

Image: Jaywick during North Sea Flood 1953