RESIDENTS took shelter in evacuation centres as a severe tidal surge hit the Essex coast.

Nine people from Mersea Island took shelter in its MICA centre after the community’s coastline was battered by high tides and flooding around 1am.

In Tendring, residents took shelter at Clacton County High School.

The majority of the people who were evacuated from their homes have now left the rest centres.

Echo: High tide from 1am. Jaywick Boats ready to be deployed

The situation changed quite rapidly during the night. From an initial two main areas of severe flood warning, a further seven areas were added by midnight.

Ch Supt Simon Williams, Gold Commander said: “Contingency plans were implemented to protect the communities of Essex. All emergency services and authorities have worked tirelessly through the night to minimise the threat to the lives of those in the county. We are grateful for the additional support provided by military personnel from the Colchester Garrison and by mutual aid supplied by the Metropolitan Police."

The flood situation has now been downgraded from severe flood warning to a flood warning.

Echo: High tide from 1am. Jaywick Tide rising at a floodgate near the Martello Tower

The county’s fire service said there is still some risk to properties but the high tides have passed.

Whilst the full picture will not be known for some time, it appears the county has fortunately not seen the same conditions as other parts of the country.

The Environment Agency will be out assessing the flood defences to determine if any remedial work needs to be carried out.

Anyone who wants to know the latest situation regarding the risk of flooding in their area should contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the website