Update

A rare red weather warning has been issued from 10am this morning on the Shotley peninsula and bordering areas as storm Eunice hits the coast.

The Met office has warned people to stay indoors until around 1pm today due to the winds expected to reach 100mph.

The rare highest alert, which is issued when there is a danger to life, with the conditions: "causing significant disruption and dangerous conditions due to extremely strong winds", the Met Office said.

• Peninsula residents are being warned to brace themselves for heavy weather at Storm Eunice hits over the next couple of days.

The Orwell bridge will be closed from 4am on Friday morning, with diversions through Ipswich town centre, and may not reopen until Sunday, depending on the severity and timing of the storm.

Residents have already started taking precaution with volunteers helping to move a yacht moored off Shotley foreshore to a more secure location nearer the sea wall opposite the Bristol Arms.

An Amber weather warning has been issued to the Shotley peninsula, with motorist warned of the dance of a high tide at the Strand at >>

Residents have also been told to care when going out with the dance of trees falling over, power lines being dragged down and damage due to the storm.

Commuters have been warned train services will be severely affected with Greater Anglia reducing the timetable from Manningtree and Ipswich to Colchester, Liverpool Street, Norwich and Felixstowe.

(Full schedule at bottom)

The Met Office has recommended people secure any loose objects such as garden furniture, ladders or anything else that could be blown around.

Doors and windows should be closed firmly - particularly those to the windward side of the house - and especially large doors, like those on garages. If the property has storm shutters fitted over the windows, make sure these are fastened too.

Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts. If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, make sure any beds are kept away from the areas directly beneath them.

Vehicles should be parked in a garage, if possible - if not, make sure they are clear of trees, buildings and fences.

A tree blown down during Storm Dudley on Wednesday, was dealt with by Colwill brothers Ethan and

Hourly service

Norwich to London Liverpool Street Intercity service

Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford to London Liverpool Street

Southminster – Wickford

Walton-on-the-Naze - Thorpe-le-Soken

Hertford East – Broxbourne

Norwich to Cambridge,

Norwich to Lowestoft

Ipswich to Cambridge

Ipswich to Felixstowe

• Send us your pictures of storm damage, or dramatic action shots to the editor: [email protected]