People have been warned to stay away from cliff edges as strong winds and a high tide claim more of the Hemsby coastline.

Around 30 metres of the road along The Marrams fell into the sea at about 5pm, alongside significant damage to Hemsby Gap and the dunes to the north and south. 

This has created "very dangerous conditions" along the seafront, with more than a dozen homes stranded and about 20 left without water after a utility pipe was ripped out.

A Hemsby Independent Lifeboat spokesman said: "This has left the Gap area and dunes in a very unstable condition and we are asking anyone visiting the beach this weekend to be extra vigilant.

"If you are in the area of the Gap please stay away from the edge and the base of the dunes as there is a high risk of further collapse."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The road has collapsed into the seaThe road has collapsed into the sea (Image: Hemsby Lifeboat)

Around four metres of the coastline was claimed by the sea during Storm Babet last month, during the same week that Hemsby found out it would not receive government funding for sea defences to protect the village.

From 3pm today, lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd warned people about the threat of a road collapse in The Marrams and people moved their cars.

Within 20 minutes of the last car leaving, the road totally collapsed. One van remains stranded.

Police have blocked the road to The Marrams but Mr Hurd has not officially heard word on evacuations yet.

“We want to make sure residents are safe," he said.

“Where we go from here, who knows? A few more nights like these and the lifeboat is under threat.

“We would strongly advise the public to not visit the beach tomorrow and Sunday. It is not safe here at the moment.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Hemsby Lifeboat crew inspect the damage after part of The Marrams road collapsedHemsby Lifeboat crew inspect the damage after part of The Marrams road collapsed (Image: James Weeds/Newsquest)

Mr Hurd said the lifeboat crew will be back at the beach tomorrow to inspect the damage. Some crew members will also be fundraising outside John Lewis in Norwich on Saturday.

The Lacon Arms pub has had about 12 people who live in The Marrams in this evening seeking respite. Many have returned to their homes for the night.

Landlady Lorna Bevan said: “People are awfully scared, panicked, angry and sad. We all feel sick and angry. We’ve lost a lot this week - about 12 feet - so it was already under threat.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Lacon Arms landlady Lorna BevanLacon Arms landlady Lorna Bevan (Image: Newsquest)

“I am heartbroken. I found it really hard tonight to keep upbeat and not to cry in front of people. I’m devastated. For 10 years we’ve been campaigning and you can see people are going to be homeless.

"It is only the start of winter and this has happened. There is no security.

“Some people haven’t even been able to get their vehicles away so they are essentially lost.

“What else could we have done with the right legislation changes and people in power coming forward to spearhead this?

“I’m devastated.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Hemsby Lifeboat crew inspect the damage after part of The Marrams road collapsedHemsby Lifeboat crew inspect the damage after part of The Marrams road collapsed (Image: James Weeds/Newsquest)

Hemsby Lifeboat previously expressed concern regarding the integrity of access roads to The Marrams during Storm Ciaran.

Mr Hurd said: "Many vulnerable people live on The Marrams, and they are always at risk of becoming isolated in weather like this."

READ MORE: Photos show riverbank inches from overflowing amid high tides

He added that many people living there "constantly fear" the upcoming winter.

Flood alerts and warnings are in place across the county due to a series of high spring tides that are set to continue into the weekend. 

- Additional reporting by James Weeds