Region braced for severe weather

Parts of Walton Park in Milton Keynes were flooded recently

Residents across the eastern counties have been warned to expect gale force winds and heavy rain by Thursday afternoon.

Felixstowe Port in Suffolk and Harwich harbour in Essex are on full alert to close if sea conditions deteriorate.

Electricity supply firms have brought in extra staff to deal with any cable falls or power cuts.

The Highways Agency in Hertfordshire is asking drivers to think twice about journeys if the weather is too severe.

The manager of the Highways Agency road watch unit at South Mimms, Jon Caldwell, said: "Weather forecasters are predicting gales of up to 80mph accompanied by heavy rain and this will make road conditions very difficult.

"I ask drivers to think if their journey is really necessary and if they are inexperienced will it be safe for them?

"Even experienced drivers should take extra care in these conditions."

Low lying areas of Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire could face floods, the Environment Agency said.