Essex Police have issued severe flood warnings for seven new areas in Essex this morning.

The forces says advice from the Environment Agency indicates that there is now an increased risk to other areas of Essex for a severe risk of flooding. The following areas are now at strong risk of flooding in addition to the Jaywick, Seawick and Mersea Island areas:

Manningtree

Hamford Water (Dovercourt to Walton)

Heybridge Basin (River Blackwater)

Maldon to Maylandsea

Creeksea to Battlesbridge (River Crouch)

Paglesham, Rochford, Potton Island and the Wakerings

Harwich to Mistley (Stour Estuary)

Police officers, working with the other agencies, will be contacting residents in all the affected areas and they are advised to prepare themselves to leave their homes. They should prepare an overnight bag, ensure they have all necessary medication and make arrangements to stay with friends or relatives.

If this is not possible they should await instructions of their nearest evacuation location where they will be transported to a rest centre. A rest centre is being set up for Maldon residents at the Upper Plume School.

The evacuation area for residents in Manningtree is The Co-op, Riverside East where you will then be transported to the rest centre at Leisure World in Colchester.

The evacuation area for residents in Hamford Water (Dovercourt) is the Harwich and Dovercourt High School in Hall Lane. People will be taken from here to the rest centre at Leisure World in Colchester.

Rest centres for all residents of the Maldon district are open at the Upper Plume and Lower Plume schools in Maldon.

Essex Police and its partners have set up a dedicated hotline that people can call for information and the number is 0800 0961233.

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