WINDS of up to 90mph were recorded in Southend as Storm Eunice caused destruction and chaos across the town.

The reading was made by the pier and foreshore team and exceeded the previous top wind speed recorded during the storm.

Winds of up to 76mph at Southend Airport were thought to be the highest.

Part of Southend High Street was closed this afternoon due to safety concerns and businesses asked to close down for the day.

More than 80 trees were felled during the peak of the storm but council bosses say all roads in the town remain open despite the destruction.

However, building control officers are out inspecting structures which have been damaged by the winds.

They are having to prioritise the most at-risk buildings due to the high number that have suffered damaged.

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Remarkably, bin collections continued throughout the day, despite several other councils in south Essex suspending their services.

Southend Council leader Ian Gilbert said: “Our resilience team have been monitoring the weather and meeting with colleagues in the council and from across the county to coordinate efforts and make sure there is a prompt and efficient response to any issues.

“It is disappointing that some people have chosen to ignore the warnings, with wind surfers reportedly in the water off the Southend coastline this morning.

“But I would also like to say thank you to everyone who has followed the national advice to stay home and stay safe. “I would also like to thank Veolia staff for carrying out their collections and providing additional eyes and ears reporting fallen trees for example.

“I would also like to thank council staff and emergency services for doing all they can to keep disruption to a minimum, and responding to extremely challenging circumstances."