PLACES in Maldon and surrounding areas including parks, recycling centres and more will be closed today as a rare red weather warning has been issued for Essex.

The warning issued by the Met Office is in place between 10am and 3pm today.

This means there is likely to be significant disruption and potential danger to life due to extremely strong winds.

The winds of up to 90mph forecast have the potential for damage to structures and flying debris.

READ MORE: Update on waste and recycling collections in Maldon as Storm Eunice hits 

Some roads, bridges and railway lines will be closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.

Very high winds are expected in coastal areas with large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.

As a result, some of Maldon District Council's services, as well as other official services and popular attractions in the district, will be closed.

Promenade Park

Maldon's Promenade Park will be closed to vehicles today and residents are warned to avoid visiting the park, only travelling if essential.

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

The council hopes to reopen the park to vehicles tomorrow if the weather has returned to a safe level.

This will be confirmed once a full safety assessment has been made.

READ MORE: Live updates as Essex is put under red warning as Storm Eunice hits

Recyling Centres 

Love Essex has taken the decision to close its recycling centres which includes its Maldon and Burnham centres.

Sites are expected to reopen tomorrow, but this will be confirmed when the situation is clearer.

To avoid any inconvenience people are advised to visit one of the centres when conditions are safer.

Council Offices and Vaccination Centre

The district council has decided with Longfield Medical Centre to close its offices and vaccination centre today in the interest of public safety.

The next vaccination clinic will be on Tuesday, February 22.

The council and medical centre have both apologised for any inconvenience caused.

READ MORE: Hour by hour forecast as winds of up to 60mph to hit mid Essex

Essex Country Parks

All the county's country parks will be closed to the public today including the nearby Danbury Country Park and Marsh Farm Country Park.

Its After rangers have assessed the parks for wind damage and checked accessible paths, it is hoped they will reopen on Saturday morning.

Maldon Library

All Essex libraries will be closed today, which includes Maldon Library.

A spokesman for Essex Library Services said: "We apologise for any inconvenience."

To renew items or access the e-Library services visit the website libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Will the cemeteries be closed?

Maldon District Council has not announced any full closure of its parks and cemeteries, but residents are encouraged to consider their personal safety before visiting.

People can report flooding and power cuts online at maldon.gov.uk/flooding or maldon.gov.uk/power_cuts or by calling 105.

Fallen trees on the road must be reported to Essex Highways here.

For damage to buildings where there is danger to the public, problems with council land or if you find yourself homeless, call 01621 854 477 for support.