The Met Office has warned that South Essex could be hit by surface water floods as very heavy rain is expected this evening (Wednesday 20 October) and into the early hours tomorrow morning.

It has issued an amber warning for much of the county, and has said that 20-30mm of rain is possible in an hour and locally 60mm in two to three hours.

Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, which may cause damage to some buildings.

The Met Office has also warned that delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely, while spray and flooding may lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

Power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses are expected.

Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock are the regions in the East of England that are expected to be affected.

London, the South East and the South West of England are also expected to be hit by heavy rains and floods.