The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Essex, as Storm Francis approaches the UK.
The weather warning is in place from 3pm to 10pm today, with gusts of up to 50mph predicted.
The storm will bring strong winds and heavy rain is also forecasted for later this evening.
The Met Office has warned people to expect the following across the country:
- Longer journey times times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
- Some roads and bridges likely to close
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life and probably some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and branches on roads
- Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
