Ships along Norfolk and Suffolk's coastline are being warned of the gale force winds that are expected to batter the region today.

Humber Coastguard said it was broadcasting regular warnings to shipping in the area, and some boats had already made the decision to wait out the wild weather out of the storm's path.

Mike Green, watch manager, said: 'We're reiterating what the Met Office is saying. We're aware of a number of ships that are coming into anchor to ride out the worst of the weather.'

The sea conditions are expected to be worse south of Gibraltar Point, off the Lincolnshire coast, with winds reaching 11 (violent storm) on the Beaufort scale.

Mr Green said: 'The worst of the weather is expected to the south of Gibraltar Point, which will affect Norfolk and Suffolk.'

Cromer Lifeboat operations manager Richard Leeds said as the storm was coming from the south-east, the town would be protected by the cliffs and coast, but the crew were always on 24/7 alert. Paul Garrod, chairman of Caister's independent lifeboat, urged anyone thinking of going out to sea today to think twice.

Yesterday morning, the RNLI lifeboat crew at Lowestoft were at sea, training as usual – even though the sea-state was described as 'rough' with a strong south-westerly force six wind blowing. Richard Musgrove, acting Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lowestoft, said: 'We take the lifeboat out in all weathers so the volunteer crew can experience, prepare for and train in different conditions be they calm or stormy.'