A council spokesman said Fisher Street had been identified as a potential problem area, based on past experience and the fact there are only a few inches of clearance between the high tide line and the road.

High tides on Sunday are at 4am and 4.30pm and are expected to be the highest for the last 25 years.

The spokesman said weather conditions should not exacerbate the situation, as the forecast for Sunday is good.

Fisher Street residents are being alerted to the potential problem today and council workers were to deliver sandbags later in the day.

The spokesman stressed it was by no means certain there would be flooding problem, but said it made sense to warn people and take precautions.