PLANS are being put in place to deal with the disruption that could be caused by the predicted storms set to hit Essex.

Councils and the emergency services are on alert and will be in talks throughout the weekend if the storm develops.

Weather experts fear Essex could be hit by hurricane-force winds as strong as those which tore down trees and damaged buildings in 1987.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning, four days ahead of the potential storm, which is expected to hit during the rush hour on Monday morning.

David Johnson, chief fire officer and chairman of the Essex Resilience Forum, said: “Although there is no firm information about how the predicted storm might impact the county, through the Essex Resilience Forum, all emergency services and other agencies, including county and local authorities, are working together to ensure plans – already in place – are ready to be implemented immediately if the need arises.

“Advice to the public will be issued through a multitude of channels including media, websites and social media.

“This is only a prediction at this stage and we would advise families in Essex to keep a close eye on the forecasts.”

South Essex train operator c2c, which runs the line from Southend to London Fenchurch Street, is also making contingency plans.

A spokesman said: “If there is a risk of high winds, we may bring in speed restrictions in the fastest areas of the track, which could have an impact on service times. If the winds are extremely high and we see trees falling on the track or the overhead power lines, then we may not run any services.

“It all depends on what happens on the day.

“But we are ready and we will keep people informed if we do have to take any action.”