A LARGE stretch of Southend seafront was closed off today as wild waves crashed over the seawall. Police put in road closures and businesses shut up shop as areas between Southend Pier and Chalkwell Avenue were left flooded.

Echo:

People were warned not to go to near to the seafront while the ferocious waves hit the coast.

Businesses were badly affected by the bad weather with some seafront traders choosing to close for the entire day.

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A spokeswoman from Essex Police said: “Police assisted in putting road closures in place from the Pier to Chalkwell Avenue due to concerns about large waves crashing onto the pavement and road.

“Officers liaised with the coastguard in relation to the closure and the times of high tide. They also liaised with fire and ambulance services. The closure was in place from about 1.35pm until about 2.40pm.”

Echo:

A coastguard spokesman said: “Our coastguard team assisted police with the road closures and advised members of the public to avoid the water and the waves for their own safety.”

 

 

 

High Tide at Southend today @YourSouthend pic.twitter.com/3WWn3Ezzfv

— Jane Davis (@JaneDizzyDavis) January 3, 2014
 

Southend is gonna sink pic.twitter.com/T1RFjBXzaI

— Anastasia Chinery (@AnastasiaC35) January 3, 2014