FIREFIGHTERS have been extremely busy today coping with damage caused by Storm Ciara.

Firefighters have been called to attend incidents throughout Essex following heavy winds and rain during Storm Ciara.

By 1.30pm, Control operators at the Essex brigade HQ had received calls to more than 50 weather-related incidents.

In Thurrock, Corringham crew members were called to cut away a large fallen tree which was blocking Southend Road, Corringham.

Later, just after 2pm, they were back in action dealing with tree that fell on Rookery Hill close to the entrance to East Thurrock United's ground.

At 9.51am, Grays crews were called to a property in Chase Way, Grays after several sheets of corrugated metal had blown loose.

Firefighters worked hard to secure the sheeting back in place and remove the dangerously positioned material.

Numerous trees have come down, including a large one toppled in Horndon on the Hill park.

The QEII bridge at the Dartford Crossing has been closed since the early hours and traffic is being diverted through the East tunnel.

Ensign buses have reported disruption and delays and the Tilbury-Gravesend ferry has already announced that services tomorrow (Monday) will be suspended due to windy conditions and a predicted tidal storm surge.