An amber flood alert has been issued in part of south Essex as residents are urged to "be prepared" with heavy rain expected this week.

The Environment Agency has issued the alert covering Coalhouse Fort and car park in East Tilbury, as well as surrounding roads and footpaths, as minor flooding is "likely" this afternoon.

Areas most at risk are Coalhouse Fort and car park, and the low lying land between the fort and Coalhouse Point.

This comes as the Environment Agency has issued 32 flood warnings and 164 flood alerts across England today, with the Met Office forecasting more rain across the UK over the next few days.

While the weather experts have not issued any of their own warnings, heavy rain is forecast for Thursday.

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."