Commuters are facing delays and cancellations due to overhead wire damage in the Alresford area.

Trains to London from Clacton and Walton are currently unable to run beyond Thorpe-le-Soken.

Rail service operators Greater Anglia said on their website: “A limited rail replacement bus service will be in operation between Clacton, Thorpe-le Soken and Colchester, from about 09.00, with buses being operated by Talisman Coaches, Dons of Dunmow and Panther Travel. An additional journey time of about 45 minutes can be expected on the buses.”

Network rail engineers were expected to arrive at the location of the damage at around 9.30, but delays, revisions and cancellations are likely to continue until 12.00.

The disruption comes as Storm Imogen battered towns across Essex and Suffolk with winds of up to 100mph last night.

The Essex Weather Centre tweeted that lightning strikes were seen in northern Colchester.

Across the UK gales and heavy rain have forced road closures and delays to rail services, with airports such as Gatwick warning flights may also be affected.

The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” wind for warning Wales, the south west, London and south-east England, while coastal areas are expected to be lashed with large waves.