Torrential downpours earlier this evening are causing chaos across Essex tonight.
The Essex fire service have received numerous calls to flooding and weather concerns across the county at around 5.25pm, including to Canvey Island, Southend, Harlow, Aveley, Ongar and Corringham.
Firefighters have had to deal with people stranded in vehicles that are stuck in flood water, cables arcing, hedgerow fires, and to a house fire following a lightning strike.
Resources were "stretched" as numerous Fire Brigades Union firefighters were on strike between 5-7pm due to concerns over pension cuts. Police asked drivers to take care and avoid unnecessary journeys, while the railways have also seen problems. No trains are currently running between Shenfield and Southend, and between Southminster and Wickford due to flooding. A Greater Anglia spokeswoman said: "A Network Rail team are on site and will have the problem fixed as soon as possible. "Rail replacement vehicles will be in operation between Shenfield and Southend Victoria from 17.40 until further notice. "Abellio Greater Anglia thank you for your patience and understanding during this problem."
