HOMES and businesses have been flooded and some left without power after extreme rainfall battered Southend.

The Essex Weather Centre reports that an inch of rain fell in just half an hour leaving seafront homes and businesses flooded.

Powercuts have also been reported in Southend and Shoebury after a thunderstorm passed through the area. UK Power Networks said tonight that power may be restored by 2am Saturday.

Roads are reportedly impassable around Warrior Square in Southend while the Queensway underpass was affected when a drain failed due to the level of water.

The Essex Fire Service reports that it has had to deal with several cars trapped in floodwater between Thorpe Hall Avenue and Woodgrange Drive.

Flooding has also hit roads close to Southend Airport, while Westcliff train station have also been affected in the deluge.

About 20 businesses including restaurants and the Rendezvous Casino on the seafront are thought to have been affected.

Trains have also been delayed on the Greater Anglia line after flooding was reported in Prittlewell. 

The Happidrome Arcade in Marine Parade, Southend, is among the businesses affected by the flooding.

it suffered similar damage from flash flooding in August last year, costing the owner's more than £100,000. 

Its Twitter account, @thehappidrome, tweeted: "Just been told there is sewage in the flooding. Most of the arcade has been affected. Thanks for your support."