MORE torrential rain is on its way this evening after floods caused severe delays across Colchester.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for thunderstorms, frequent lightning and localised flooding tonight until 11pm.

A yellow warning for heavy rain is then in place for Essex until 2am tomorrow.

The chief forecaster said: "Another wave of thunderstorms breaking out across southeastern UK this afternoon and evening is likely to bring some thunderstorms into the London area.

"Whether these storms are as severe as those of last night is, at this stage, uncertain, but in view of storms being expected during the afternoon and evening impacts may be as widespread as those of last night and first thing this morning."

The Met Office also warned that river levels are continuing to rise following last night's rainfall.

The peak of the River Colne is now near Colchester.

A flood alert is in place for the River Colne. 

The Met Office website states: "River levels are likely to continue to rise, especially in the areas of Great Yeldham and Colchester.

"Over the next 24 hours the forecast is for thunderstorms.

"The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities."