There have been warnings today’s gales could be similar to those which caused major problems when they struck Uttlesford in October.

The aftermath of storm St Jude, on the morning of October 28, caused delays for motorists and left homes without power as trees were brought down and power lines damaged.

Experts said the storm - called St Jude - was the worst in more than a decade, with winds, moving in from the west, hitting speeds of up to 80mph.

Now forecasters are predicting gusts of up to 60mph this afternoon. Heavy rainfall will bring the added danger of flooding in some areas of East Anglia.

In October thousands of homes in the region lost power with thousands of properties still without electricity days after St Jude hit.

Essex police and fire services recorded a huge rise in the number of callers after fallen trees blocked roads, while commuters trying to get to work on the rail network were forced to stay at home or get in the car as train bosses suspended services for much of the day.