Families across Essex were hoping for the rain to stop falling today as flood waters rose to threatening levels

But weathermen warned another inch of rain was on the way today

Residents living near or on flood plains were warned that their homes could be at risk if water levels continued to rise.

The circus at Colchester's Castle Park

The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for several rivers and part of the A12 was sealed off.

The downpour eased later in the day and an Environment Agency spokesman said that although water had spilled out on to flood plains, houses had not yet been affected.

But he said rivers were full to capacity and more heavy rain could lead to people suffering the misery of flooded homes.

The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for the River Colne at Colchester, including Sheepen Road.

Another has been issued for the River Blackwater between Braintree and Langford, including Coggeshall and Kelvedon.

The situation was not expected to be as severe as in October 2001, the Environment Agency said.

Agency flood defence manager Jonathan Wortley said 30 workers spent the day yesterday making sure the rivers continued to flow without becoming blocked.

The agency was prepared for possible flooding and had taken steps to try to prevent it.

People whose properties were at risk were advised to use sandbags or floodboards to block ways into their properties where possible.

A circus which had set up in Lower Castle Park, Colchester, had to move off immediately after its final performance yesterday as flood waters rose to the doors of their caravans.

For information about the chance of flooding near their homes, residents can call Floodline on 0845 9881188.

Published Thursday, January 2, 2003

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