A PARK is closing to vehicles tomorrow as residents across Essex are being urged to avoid travelling unless for essential reasons when Storm Eunice hits the county.

Promenade Park is closing to vehicles tomorrow (February 18) as Storm Eunice is set to hit with gusts of up to 70mph likely in Essex.

Residents are also urged to avoid visiting the park and to only travel if it is essential.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: "As Storm Eunice makes its way to the Maldon district, we have taken the decision to close the park to vehicles on Friday due to the expected weather conditions.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

"This is because there will be very high winds across the park throughout the day, and a serious risk of branches falling from trees and debris being blown around.

"We also encourage people to avoid visiting the park during the day, and to only travel if it is absolutely essential.

"We hope to reopen the park to vehicles on Saturday, providing the weather has improved to a safe level.

"This will be confirmed once a full safety assessment has been made later in the week.

"Please be careful during this period, and please stay safe." 

Essex has been issued an amber weather warning for the storm which is in place from 3am on Friday to 9pm on the same day.