South Essex was today recovering from 90mph gales which tore down trees, ripped off roofs and crippled transport.
Around 2,000 homes in Rayleigh were still without power today after electriciy lines were ripped down by the force of high winds and flying branches. Homes in Great and Little Wakering were also cut off.
Drivers were warned by Essex Police to stay at home yesterday unless their journey was absolutely necessary, leaving many main roads deserted for most of the day.
The QE2 bridge at Dartford was closed as a safety precaution.
A woman had to be cut free from her car at Wickford after a branch went through the windscreen.
Emergency services were bombarded with calls, with Essex Fire and Rescue control room receiving ten times their normal amount.
Electricity company 24/7 said today 20,000 homes across Essex were without electricity.
A spokesman said: "Trees, branches, fences and all manner of things have been blowing onto and across power lines which have brought the lines down or caused them to short-circuit."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article