WHILE national weather forecasters and emergency services are warning people of the impending impact of strong winds and persistent rain that look set to impact the region in the next few days, Thurrock Council has played down the risk of localised flooding in borough communities and declared it is not responsible for surface water problems.

At the weekend there was localised flooding across parts of the borough, with Tilbury and Stanford the worst hit.

However, though it supplied some sandbags to Tilbury, Thurrock Council - which is responsible for the vast majority of borough roads - says it was an exceptional weather event and not a highways issue.

A statement says: "Council Highways officers attended some issues of localised flooding that were caused by the heavy rain. Officers supplied sandbags to protect properties.

"It is considered that the flooding was the result of the surface water network becoming overwhelmed due to the volume of rain, rather than highways issues. Thurrock Council is not responsible for maintenance of the broader network."

The message comes just hours before the landfall of Storm Ciaran, forecast to arrive on Wednesday, with winds reaching a peak 60+mph by Thursday evening.

A warning from the Met Office says: "This could cause trees to uproot and flying debris to impact transport and travel. Flooding could also be possible in areas where the ground is already saturated."  

The storm is expected to impacts across the south of England and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is warning residents to be prepared for strong winds and persistent rain.  

The fire service is advising residents to be prepared and make sure their property and garden furniture is well secured ahead of the storm. 

Group Manager David Walpole, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said:  "60mph winds are enough to lift garden furniture but the good news is we know about this in advance so we can all play our part in helping. Take some time to clear your gardens from anything left from the summer months and secure anything that might blow away. 

"Loose objects such as your bins, plant pots, garden furniture and trampolines should all be moved inside, turned upside down or secured to the ground with tent pegs. Also lock all doors and windows of sheds, garages and outbuildings to keep them safe. 

"We are also urging Essex residents to only travel if necessary and check in on any vulnerable neighbours and family members to make sure they are safe.

"Remember, if you come across a closed or flooded road, please don't try to drive through it - it's dangerous and could damage your car too - just find another route." 

Advice to follow:  

• Make sure your property and garden furniture is well secured 
• Stay away from coastal walks 
• Avoid using the roads if you can. If you must travel, prepare for your journey by checking weather updates and road closures before leaving 
• Never drive into flood water. Stay safe by finding an alternative route. 
• Download the what3words app to help you find, share and save your precise location if you need help from the emergency services while you're out. Download what3words 
• Remember, only call 999 if there is a risk to life.