A red weather warning is now in force in Maldon as Storm Eunice, one of the worst storms in decades, hits the UK.

The Met Office has issued the red warning for Essex from 10am to 3pm today (Friday, 18 February) and warned that "flying debris could result in danger to life", with residents being advised to only travel unless absolutely necessary.

The amber warning remains in place until 9pm this evening.

The vaccination centre at the Maldon District Council offices on Princes Road will be closed today as a result of the "extremely strong winds".

Promenade Park is also shut to vehicles.

A spokesperson for the district council said the decision regarding the vaccination centre had been made "in the interest of public safety", adding that the next clinic will take place on Tuesday, 22 February.

The spokesperson said closing the Prom is necessary due to the "serious risk of branches falling from trees and debris being blown around".

Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down, is likely.

Greater Anglia has reduced its train service, with delays to train and bus services likely.

Power cuts are also expected.

We will be bringing you the latest updates on the storm in Maldon in our liveblog below.

12pm: Fire service had "busiest day in 30 years"

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has called yesterday its "busiest day in 30 years", with firefighters attending a variety of incidents across the county.

Between 10am and 9pm, the service's control room dealt with around 500 calls - including up to 100 calls during the peak of the storm.

Neil Fenwick, area manager, said: "It was an exceptional day for our Service. On an average day we receive between 40 and 50 calls - yesterday we dealt with around 500.

"We were well prepared and our teams did an excellent job to keep our residents safe.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all our firefighters and staff, our emergency service, local authority and utility company partners as well as the people of Essex, who listened to our advice and messages.

"It was a real team effort and shows once again how Essex unites when faced with challenges."

11am: Promenade Park reopens

Promenade Park in Maldon has fully reopened, after shutting to vehicles yesterday due to the risk of flying debris caused by the storm.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "Please take care out and about today as many clean up operations take place."

10am: Cemeteries in the Maldon district close

Cemeteries across the Maldon district - in Maldon and Burnham - have closed following damage from the storm.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "Due to amounts of debris and fallen trees following yesterday's storm, we have temporarily closed the Maldon and Burnham cemeteries today while clean up operations are taking place.

"Heybridge Cemetery has now reopened."

Saturday, 19 February

7.30pm: Maldon District Council issues further safety warning

Maldon District Council has advised residents to "continue to remain safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary".

Council officers will be out over the next few days helping to clear up in the wake of the storm and "return services to normal".

6.30pm: 'Considerable damage' to Burnham pontoon confirmed

The entire length of the Burnham pontoon has started to lift, with whole sections lost, Maldon District Council has confirmed.

Residents are being advised to avoid the area as it remains unsafe.

Read more here.

5pm: Power cuts cause disruption across the district

Power cuts are being reported in areas across the district - including Burnham, Maldon, Heybridge and Tillingham.

4.15pm: Firefighters rescue driver trapped inside overturned van

Firefighters from Maldon have rescued a man trapped in a van which overturned due to heavy winds caused by Storm Eunice.

The van was tipped over by the wind while travelling on Langford Road in Wickham Bishops earlier today.

Find out more here.

3.30pm: Residents warned to stay away from the Burnham pontoon

Maldon District Council has warned residents to avoid the pontoon in Burnham.

Officers said they have been alerted to "damage" at the attraction and are attending the scene.

3pm: Amber warning issued for Maldon

An amber warning is now in place across the Maldon district, following the red warning that has been in place since 10am.

It means there is "a good chance that flying debris could result in danger to life", alongside damage to buildings and homes."

2:53pm: Part of the Blue Boar Hotel's roof has collapsed

Strong winds caused by the storm have caused part of the roof at the Blue Boar Hotel, on Silver Street, to collapse.

Firefighters were called to the incident at 12.14pm, after a chimney stack struck by high winds had fallen through the hotel's roof.

Firefighters worked for around an hour to secure the scene, which included dismantling a gazebo in the courtyard as it was in "a dangerous position".

Read the full story here.

12:10pm: All waste and recycling collections cancelled

All waste and recycling collections have been cancelled for the rest of today, as Maldon continues to be hit by strong winds.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "Please take your bins and sacks back in to a sheltered area and please put them out for collection on Monday."

11:15am: Waste and recycling collections going ahead

Waste and recycling collections scheduled for today are currently going ahead as normal, but this could change if conditions worsen and roads are disrupted.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "Where possible, try to protect your waste and recycling from the wind by placing it in a sheltered spot to prevent it from being blown away."

They added: "We are working closely with our contractor SUEZ UK to ensure the safety of collection crews."

10:45am: Other stores announce closures

Silo Zero Waste Refillery and Continental Café will close today.

Family-run business Maldon Shot Blasting and Power Coating has announced it will be closing early.

10:30am: Farleigh Hospice shuts its branches

Farleigh Hospice has announced its branches will remain closed today "due to the adverse weather conditions".

This includes the charity's Maldon branches - on Wycke Hill Business Park, in Bentalls Shopping Centre and at 28 High Street.

09:39am: Recycling centres close

Recycling centres in Essex, covering Madon, are closed to visitors today.

A spokesperson for Love Essex said: "We expect sites to reopen tomorrow, but updates will be issued when the situation is clearer.

"To avoid any inconvenience, please visit one of the centres when conditions are safer."

09:34am: Entertainment centre remains open

Madison Heights, on Park Drive, has said it will remain open as normal.

09:28am: Charity cancels morning support session

Hearing Help Essex has cancelled this morning's support session at St Peter's Hospital, on Spital Road, in Maldon.

The organisation aims call all volunteers and service users to inform them of the update by 10am.

09:13am: High street store closes

Borough Flooring and Home, at 160 High Street, has announced it will be shut today "due to the bad weather".

09:10am: Zoo will not open to visitors

Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo has closed both its sites in Maldon and Althorne today.

A spokesperson for the zoo said: "We never make this decision lightly and sincere apologies to anyone who have made plans to visit on Friday but we must put the welfare of our animals and staff first.

"We will be on site at both zoos throughout Friday ensuring we are keeping everyone as safe as possible, but it's certainly going to be a challenge.

"Keep safe and we hope to re open on Saturday praying with limited damage."