FALLEN trees and flooding are causing problems across south Essex thanks to Monday night's storm.

Commuters have been warned not to travel on the trains on Christmas Eve after severe damage was caused to tracks.

Greater Anglia yesterday said it would have trains running by 9am but has now said some will not be available until Tuesday afternoon.

C2C is running some services but have warned passengers to expect cancellations and delays until midday.

Fallen trees have been reported across the county and four people in Purfleet have been left homeless after the roof was blown from their home.

Firefighters worked throughout last night to secure the belongings in the home.

They were called to 90 weather incidents last night from damage caused by high winds to flooding on the roads and in people's homes.

Passengers were stuck on a train between Benfleet and Leigh due to a power failure just after 8.30pm last night and had to be walked off the train by staff after a wait of nearly an hour.

A freight train suffered a smashed windscreen when it hit a tree on the London-bound track between Stanford and Grays at 11.45pm.

Meanwhile flooding has closed Western Esplanade on Canvey.

Flood warnings have also been given in Wickford, with many Billericay residents saying roads are flooded.

Essex Police has asked all drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary.

UK Power Networks said around 1,800 homes in Essex were without power.  They said they would be working to restore it to as many as possible in time for Christmas.

 

 

Do you have any storm pictures in south Essex?  Send them to caroline.tilley@nqe.com