A large tree has crashed down onto a BMW in Westcliff as strong winds from Storm Austen sweep across Southend and the wider Essex area.
The tree fell in Hobleythick Lane on Friday afternoon (23 October), landing on the vehicle and extending into the front garden of a nearby home.
The incident happened close to a zebra crossing outside Southend High School for Boys.
Police are at the scene and Hobleythick Lane has been closed while arrangements are made to remove the fallen tree and make the area safe.
Traffic is queuing around Prince Avenue and Prittlewell Chase as motorists are diverted away from the affected road.
Council contractors are being arranged to clear the tree, although it is not yet known when the road will reopen.
Storm Austen brings strong winds to Southend
The incident comes as Storm Austen brings heavy rain and strong winds to Southend and across Essex, with gusts of up to 55mph possible.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind until 9pm on Friday evening, with conditions expected to gradually improve as the storm moves through.
The severe weather has also forced the cancellation of Saturday evening’s planned fireworks display on Southend seafront.
Organisers have confirmed that the fireworks displays will resume the following Saturday, 31 October.
Drivers are being advised to avoid Hobleythick Lane while the closure remains in place and to take extra care around trees, exposed roads and areas affected by strong winds.