POLICE are continuing to urge drivers to take care on the roads in Essex following heavy rain overnight.

Some minor roads in the county are currently closed or impassable due to high water levels and motorists are urged not to attempt to drive through standing water.

Areas which have been most severely affected include Kelvedon, Bradwell, Halstead, Heybridge, Clacton, Galleywood, Horsley Cross, Colchester, Eight Ash Green and Great Chesterford.

Road policing inspector Scott Egerton said: “I would advise motorists to take great care when driving in these conditions and not to underestimate the depth of surface water.

“Please drive at appropriate speeds as water running off the land can cause floods at unexpected locations. Also make sure you keep tuned in to the radio and if possible avoid roads that are affected by the flooding.

“It is also important to be aware that most cars have air intakes which are placed near the lowest point on the vehicle and if water is sucked into the engine it can cause significant damage and cause this to stop working.

“On the occasions where vehicles have become stranded they have caused additional problems for the emergency and recovery services, however despite stretched resources Essex Police has been able to respond to all those that called for assistance.”

Essex Police has been working with the other emergency services and emergency planning at Essex County Council to ensure the situation is properly monitored and incidents resolved. Advice and guidance has also been obtained from the Environment Agency and the Met Office.

The Met Office advises: “Although further rainfall is likely at times during Thursday and Friday, we’re not expecting a repeat of the very heavy rainfall which affected the county during the early hours of Thursday. Hence, overall it’s an improving situation with the prospect of dry conditions for much of the weekend.”

Insp Egerton added: “Drivers should reduce speed in wet conditions and drive with dipped headlights so that they can been seen in surface spray that is being thrown up by other vehicles.”