Essex: County Battered By Storms

Severe storms have battered Essex causing disruption across the county.

Trains from Essex into London were delayed during the first morning rush hour after Christmas while a number of roads were shut due to fallen trees.

Drivers intending to use the Dartford Crossing from Essex into Kent endured lengthy delays when the QE2 Bridge on the M25 was shut after the Highways Agency said it was too dangerous to let traffic across.

The High Street in Great Yeldham was closed, as were Main Road in Broomfield, Nevendon Road in Wickford and Feenan Highway in Tilbury. A fallen tree also partially blocked Nether Mayne in Basildon between Dry Street and the Lee Woottens Lane.

Trees were also reported down at Guithavon Street in Witham, Maldon and Aseldham and fire crews were called to deal with a tree at Roman Road in Ingatestone which fell onto power cables.

Asphalt roofing was blown off a building in Carnavon Road in Clacton.

Forecasters say the winds will ease overnight.