Freak weather came to north Essex with flash floods and a twister all in one day.

The twister went through a number of villages, leaving a trail of damage in its wake.

The dark circling cloud was first spotted on Saturday morning over Abberton Reservoir and then moved on to Tollesbury.

Culprit - the twister which hit Essex again is clearly visible over Abberton Reservoir Picture: SEANA HUGHES

Roof tiles were ripped off houses and chimney tops blown away as the swirling wind swept through Station Road.

Although gone within minutes, another two were spotted a short distance away over Birch.

Tollesbury firefighter Rick Clover said there was thousands of pounds of damage.

"It came up to the north of the village and went straight down the road, snapping aerials and breaking chimney pots."

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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