Essex: Storm Latest

The storm has swept across Essex, disrupting rail and roads across the county.

A 70 year-old man was injured at his home in Great Bardfield after a camping stove he was using during a power cut exploded and set light to his kitchen.

In Clacton, the famous helter skelter on the Pier was blown over in the strong winds.

Scores of roads have been shut by fallen trees and the M11 between Bishop's Stortford and Harlow was closed for a time after a lorry was blown over.

Essex Police has set up a dedicated phone number for all weather-related phone calls. The numbers are 0800 092 0410 and 0207 158 0124. People are advised to use these numbers for ALL weather calls, including those requiring an emergency response.

Essex County Council has said that Belhus, Weald, Thorndon and Danbury Country Parks are closed on Monday due to the high winds.

Colchester Zoo is closed on Monday - it will reopen at 9.30am on Tuesday.

Flood Alert

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for the River Wid from Ingatestone to, and including Writtle and the River Can at Chelmsford.



The peak of the river is now near Chelmsford. River levels are likey to stabilise and then fall. Over the next 6 hours (until 5pm) the forecast is for light rain. Be aware of numerous roads crossing the River Wid which could be underwater. Levels should fall later on Monday.



Queen Elizabeth II Bridge

The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge has reopened to traffic after it was shut for more than six hours.

Rail

C2C have said that some services will resume from 1pm on Monday but there will still be major disruption at Purfleet.

There will be no trains at Purfleet, Rainham or Dagenham Dock stations until Wednesday morning at the earliest because of extensive damage to power lines.

Fenchurch Street-Shoeburyness via Basildon: Trains resume at 1pm. Trains will run every 15 minutes in both directions, calling at all stations

Fenchurch Street-Grays via Rainham: There will be no trains in either direction today or tomorrow at least, while Network Rail repair the damage to power lines. Buses will run every 30 minutes from Barking to Grays from 13.00 today.

Fenchurch Street-Southend Central via Ockendon: We expect that trains can start running from 13.00. Trains will run every 30 minutes in both directions, calling at all stations

Services on Greater Anglia have been suspended until further notice. Customers are being advised not to travel today. Customers with Greater Anglia tickets dated for travel on Monday 28th October can travel on Tuesday 29th October.

Stansted Express services from Liverpool Street have been suspended until at least 12pm. Customers are advised not to attempt to travel before this.

Stansted Airport

Flights to/from Stansted Airport may be delayed or cancelled on Monday due to the forecast storms. Passengers due to travel on Monday are advised to check their flight status with their airline and allow plenty of time for their journey to the airport.

0844 335 1803 Website http://www.stanstedairport.com

Southend Airport

Flights to/from Southend Airport may be delayed or cancelled on Monday due to the forecast storms. Passengers due to travel on Monday are advised to check their flight status with their airline and allow plenty of time for their journey to the airport.

School Closures

Temple Sutton Children Centre - Southend

Little Cherubs, Plantation Hall - Heybridge

Colchester Institute - Braintree campus

General Advice

Emergency Services and Local Authorities advise not to travel at peak times, to stay away from the coastline, to be prepared for power cuts and to look around your gardens to see if you can move anything that might be blown away or into windows. Put cars in garages or keep them away from buildings.