People living on Cumbria's coast are being warned to brace themselves for potential flooding tonight.

The Environment Agency has issued three separate notices for the coast from Gretna in the north to Haverigg in the south.

The worst-affected area will be between St Bees Head and Millom, experts say, with a flood warning - the highest level - issued.

The EA warnings will come into force at high tide tonight, expected to be around midnight.

Between St Bees and Millom high tide is expected at 11.50pm with tides at their highest two hours either side of this time. The locations likely to be affected is Braystones Beach and the agency is closing gates at Ravenglass.

Residents are being warned to expect tidal spray, onshore flooding to roads and some properties along the coast may be affected.

An EA spokesman said: "People are advised to take care in coastal areas and take action as needed."

Flood alerts - a less severe warning - have been issued for Gretna to Silloth and Silloth to St Bees.

Locations likely to be hit worst are Port Carlisle and Maryport.

High tide for Gretna to Silloth will be 12.20am and 11.55pm for Silloth to St Bees.