As the county prepares for the arrival of Storm Agnes a harbour master is prepared to implement his port’s flood plan.

Robert Smith, harbourmaster at Wells is preparing the defences ahead of the storm’s arrival on Wednesday, which is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK.

Storm Anges is expected to bring 33mph winds to Wells by 9pm on September 27, faster than what's anticipated further inland, with Norwich dealing with 29mph winds.

Mr Smith said this is the protocol when it comes to extreme weather, like his approach to Storm Eunice last year. However, having seen first-hand the effects of the tidal surge in 2013, has sought to ensure the town is prepared to defend itself.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Robert Smith, harbourmaster at WellsRobert Smith, harbourmaster at Wells

“Right now it is just about watching the brief for the next and each 24-hour period,” he said.

“Then, with anything that looks like a concern, we will then be implementing the port’s flood plan prior to the period or tide we have concerns surrounding.”

Agnes is the first named storm of the season, and gusts of up to 80mph are possible in some places with inland areas forecast to see gusts of 50mph to 60mph.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The floodgate in WellsThe floodgate in Wells (Image: Robert Smith)

Norfolk has not been placed under the weather warning - but the Met Office has said this could change.

The warning has been issued for parts of Scotland between 9pm on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday, while a yellow warning for wind covers much of the UK except the South East between noon on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday.

Stephen Dixon, a Met Office spokesman, said: “There’s still some uncertainty on the exact track and positioning, and the strength of Storm Agnes as it moves in from the west.

"Stay up to date with the latest warnings because they’re fairly likely to be amended.”

An hour-by-hour forecast for the storm has been published online.