The yellow weather warning issued for the Maldon district area for heavy rain today (Wednesday, 20 October) has been updated to include strong to gale force winds.

The Essex coast is expected to be badly affected as the remnants of Storm Barbara lash England's shores.

The Met Office weather warning reads: "Strong southwesterly winds will develop on Wednesday morning, peaking around midday before gradually easing from the west during the afternoon. Winds are likely to gust from 45 to 55 mph inland and to 65 mph near the coast."

The following effects of the poor weather conditions are expected:

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely

• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely

• It's likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.

The yellow weather warning previously issued for heavy rain is still in place.

It is expected that heavy downpours will move north during the morning today and persist through the peak morning travel period, before clearing northeastwards.

It is forecast that 10-15 mm of rain will fall widely, with as much as 30 to 50 mm in a few locations.

With much of this rain falling in a short period, around 3 to 6 hours within the 3am to 2pm window, some surface-water flooding is likely in places, leading to disruption to travel.