Colchester is preparing for the arrival of Storm Eunice.

An amber weather warning has been issued for Essex and much of the south of England for Friday.

Storm Eunice is expected to bring winds of up to 90mph across the UK when it hits. 

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: "Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.” 

Events such as Colchester Market have been cancelled as a result.

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Here is what to expect for Friday with an hour by hour forecast:

  • 6am: Wind gusts of up to 34mph are expected with a 90 per cent chance of rain
  • 7am: Wind gust speeds will increase to 40mph with a 90 per cent chance of rain
  • 8am: By this time wind speeds are expected to reach 45mph. There remains a 90 per cent chance of rain
  • 9am: 45mph wind gusts are predicted. The chance of rain reduces to 50 per cent
  • 10am: By 10am wind speeds will have reached 53mph. The chance of rain is just 10 per cent
  • 11am: Wind gusts of 60mph are predicted.
  • 12pm: Wind speeds of 66mph are expected
  • 1pm: 65mph winds are predicted for Colchester with a 50 per cent chance of rain
  • 2pm: By 2pm the wind gusts will be slightly lower at around 61mph
  • 3pm: At 3pm the expected wind speed is 58mph
  • 4pm: The wind speed continues to fall to about 55mph
  • 5pm: At 5pm it is expected the wind speed will be 50mph
  • 6pm: By 6pm is will have fallen further to 44mph

In the evening wind speeds will continue to reduce from 45mph to 39mph.

The forecast says: “Heavy rain soon clearing, then winds quickly increasing, and becoming very strong and potentially disruptive due to Storm Eunice. Outbreaks of rain arrive through the afternoon, as temperatures fall. Maximum temperature 11 °C.”

The Environment Agency has warned of the risk of flooding to coastal areas in southern England on Friday.

Flood duty manager Katharine Smith said: “Strong winds could bring coastal flooding to parts of the west, south-west and south coast of England, as well as the tidal River Severn, through the early hours of Friday morning and into the early afternoon.

“This is due to Storm Eunice resulting in high waves and potential storm surge coinciding with the start of a period of spring tides.”