STORMS will batter south Essex until 10pm tonight forecasters have warned. 

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain for Essex as the county gets a soaking. 

Bad weather is set to continue and intense, thundery downpours are set to affect parts of the county this evening. 

Essex Weather Centre says: "The public should be aware of the risk of flooding, including disruption to travel. In addition to this there is the potential for strong winds, particularly around coastal areas."