Amber flood alerts have been issued today across parts of the Essex coast including Southend seafront with residents warned to "be prepared".

The Environment Agency has issued a number of alerts covering over potential flooding this afternoon, with areas most at risk including Southend seafront, and roads around Southchurch Park, Thorpe Hall Golf Club and Shoebury Common.

Old Leigh, Hadleigh Marshes, and Two Tree Island, as well as low lying land around Corringham, Tilbury, Grays, Thurrock and Purfleet are among the areas covered by the warnings.

Echo: The flood alert map covering Southend seafrontThe flood alert map covering Southend seafront (Image: Environment Agency)

The tide is peaking at Southend this afternoon, and is believed to be the highest tide of the season so far.

This comes as the Environment Agency has issued 55 flood warnings and 187 flood alerts across the country today, following disruption caused by Storm Kathleen.

Kathleen, the 11th named storm of the 2023/24 season, caused weekend travel delays with strong winds reaching 70mph in places and rain affecting much of the UK.

When amber flood alerts are issued, residents are warned to "be prepared" by preparing a bag which includes medicines and insurance documents and checking flood warnings.

A message on the Environment Agency website states: "Take care on coastal roads and footpaths, and don't put yourself in unnecessary danger. We are monitoring the situation and not expecting the situation to escalate."