Weather experts are warning that the worst storm since the one of 1987 could hit Essex on Monday.

The Met Office has released a severe storm risk warning and 80mph winds are expected to batter the south of England, with the coasts likely to be the worst affected.

Winds of this speed could bring down trees, cause structural damage, disrupt travel and cause power cuts.

Tom Defty, of Essex Weather Centre, said: “If it does hit this is looking likely to be the worst storm since the hurricane of 1987.

“We are not talking about a repeat of 1987 but if it does hit we are expecting it to be the worst storm since then.

“It will be very fast moving as the jet stream is moving at 200mph.”

He is advising to people to regularly check weather warnings over the weekend, as the expected route will be clearer by then.

Eddy Carroll, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “This storm doesn't exist at the moment, but our forecasts models predict it is likely to develop in the west Atlantic on Saturday.

“Then it's likely to rapidly intensify just west of the UK late on Sunday before tracking across England and Wales early on Monday.

“There is still a chance this storm may take a more southerly track and miss the UK, bringing impacts elsewhere in northern Europe, but people should be aware there is a risk of severe weather and significant disruption.

“With that in mind, people should keep up to date with and act on the advice in our forecasts and warnings as the situation develops.”