RESIDENTS and Thurrock Council workers have been clearing and mopping up damage across the borough in the wake of 24 hours of strong wind and rain as Storm Darragh passed through.

Strong winds will continue to hit the UK today (Sunday, 8 December) in the wake of the storm, which has caused significant damage across the country and left two men dead and thousands without power.

A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place for England and Wales into Sunday evening. Initially, forecasters predicted that the storm would end at 6am. However, an extension to the weather warning means that strong winds are set to continue to batter the country for a further 12 hours until 6pm.

Across Thurrock there were reports of power outages overnight and the council has been dealing with a number of fallen trees.

London Road in Tilbury.

One of the most serious incidents happened in London Road, Tilbury, where several cars were damaged.

The road, on a residential estate, was blocked overnight.

Yesterday the storm also caused travel chaos, with the QEII bridge across the Thames closed for hours, with traffic diverted through one bore of the tunnels, causing long delays, but it has since reopened.

Rail and bus services were also disrupted and residents are still being advised to check with operators before setting out to travel.