TWO yellow weather warnings are in place for parts of Essex as the county braces itself for thunderstorms and heavy showers.

The Met Office has put the first warning in place in parts of southern Essex, including Basildon and Southend, until 10pm tonight.

A second warning covering all parts of the county is in place from 9am until 11.59pm tomorrow.

A Met Office spokesman said: "Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

"Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."

Meanwhile drivers are being urged to take extra care on motorways and major A roads overnight and through the weekend due to the potential for heavy rain.

Following Met Office yellow warnings for rain, wind and thunderstorms, through tonight, tomorrow and into Sunday, Highways England is asking drivers in the South West, South East, East and South Midlands to be aware and to drive to the conditions.

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National Network Manager Amy Shaw said: “It’s really important for people to adapt their driving in rain.

“Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision.

“Hail showers on higher ground can also create issues.

These can happen with very little warning, resulting in shortlived but treacherous driving conditions.

“We’re encouraging drivers to be aware and to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys.”

In wet weather Highways England advises drivers to:

  • Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen and remember that stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.
  • Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
  • Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.