Essex will be hit by Storm Eunice later this week (Friday, February 18), with an amber weather warning from the Met Office being in place.

The county had already been issued with a yellow weather warning for the storm on Friday, but now it has been upgraded.

It may cause significant disruption due to extremely strong winds that may reach up to speeds of 80 or 90mph.

Currently, the amber warning is in place from 3am on Friday to 9pm on the same day.

Giving an update on the amber warning a Met Office statement read: "Extremely strong winds may develop over southwest England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the day.

"Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the track of Eunice, there is an increasing likelihood of widespread inland wind gusts of 60-70 mph and up to 80 mph in a few places.

"Around coasts of west Wales and southwest England, gusts of 90 or possibly even 100 mph are possible. Winds are expected to ease across western areas through the afternoon, and eastern areas during the evening."

What to expect with an amber weather warning?

  • There is a good chance that flying debris could result in a danger to life
  • Damage to buildings and homes is likely, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
  • Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
  • There is a good chance that power cuts, possibly prolonged, could occur and possibly affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Large waves are likely and beach material is likely to be thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
  • It is likely there will be falling branches and some uprooted trees