DRIVERS were left stranded and residents took to paddle boarding down the roads after high tides washed out West Mersea.

Flood warnings were put in place from Sunday for coastal areas including Clacton, Mersea, the Hythe and Brightlingsea.

Cars were left stranded half way across Mersea Island’s Strood and residents resorted to using canoes and paddle boards to navigate down Coast Road.

Public transport was also affected with bus services facing delays and cancellations.

Resident Kate Dawson said most islanders take it in their stride.

She said: “I’m born and bred on the island and my family are oyster men so we know and understand the tides.

“It’s only people new to the island or visitors that get caught out.

“Victory at Mersea at the bottom of the lane had some flooding but they are local people who know how to prepare by putting out sandbags.

“Mersea’s biggest problem is when the Strood covers and cars drive through then break down - lifeboats, fireman and police attend.”

PC Jed Raven, from Essex Police, tweeted to say he had attended a vehicle stuck on the Strood to help the West Mersea Coastguard team.

He tweeted: “While everyone else waited for the tide to clear this driver decided to see if his BMW would become a boat but failed.”

Visitors to the island regularly get stuck across the Strood at high tide.

There was also flooding in Brightlingsea and high tides knocked over bins, spreading rubbish across the beach.

Brightlingsea Beach Hut Association said high tides were affecting huts with tide marks 8ins up.

Parked cars were also immersed in water.

High tides on Sunday hit 5.54m, and Monday saw high tides of 5.68m.Yesterday tides reached 5.73m.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain in the south of England.

A tide report said: “Tides are higher than usual due to spring tides and a small surge.

“Clacton Promenade, Lee-over-Sands and Brightlingsea seafront may see some wave overtopping and spray.

“The Strood at Mersea Island, Coast Road and car parks on the front at West Mersea, and the Hythe and Promenade at Maldon may be flooded.

“Take care on coastal roads and footpaths. We will continue to monitor the situation.”

On Sunday, high tides in West Mersea were recorded at 5.68 metres and low tides were 0.7 metres.

On Monday, high tides were 5.84m and low tides were 0.69 metres. Yesterday tides reached 5.89 metres.

We contacted the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for a comment.