SEVERE weather warnings have been issued for Essex with heavy rain expected.

The Met Office has issued “yellow” severe weather warnings, which warn the public to be aware of danger, with 5cm of rain forecast for tomorrow and Sunday and winds of up to 60mph in some parts.

The forecaster expects heavy and possibly thundery rain in Southend, Essex and Thurrock between 7am and 6pm tomorrow.

In a statement, the chief forecaster said: “A deepening area of low pressure is likely to pass close to southeastern England on Friday.

“With very warm, humid air over the region there is the potential for the rain to become very heavy during the afternoon with totals of more than 50mm locally.”

The severe weather on Sunday is less certain, but the Met Office has forecast 5cm of rain, gusts of 60mph and large waves around the east coast.

Heavy rain caused flash floods in Canvey, Southend, Rayleigh and other parts of Essex last month.