More than 10,000 people across Essex were left in the dark today (Wednesday) after gale force winds battered the county, bringing down powerlines and trees.
Motorists faced hazardous, slow journeys to work as several roads across Essex were blocked after about 20 trees were brought down by high winds during the night.
A Met Office spokesman said Essex was battered by "severe gale force" winds throughout last night, gusting between 60 and 70mph.
"Vast parts of the country were affected, with the worst area being South Wales, where gusts of up to 90mph were recorded," he said.
North and mid-Essex did not escape the onslaught as police and emergency services battled to clear fallen trees in Tiptree, Colchester, Clacton, Silver End, Chelmsford, Yeldham, Messing, Wrabness and Dunmow.
Essex Fire Station Control said it had been a "really busy night".
And a spokesman for Essex Police said drivers had been warned about trees blocking or partially blocking roads.
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