Many cars were left stranded as heavy downpour flooded areas of Essex. Cars became stuck in areas such as Rayleigh Weir and Southend-on-Sea seafront as manhole covers were pushed up by rising waters. Shops were flooded as rain and sewage waters poured in. Essex fire service received more than 300 flood-related calls, rescuing people trapped in their cars.

Asda car park was closed along with the roundabout to enter Asda. Cars were dragged up onto the verge, broken down with water damage. One brave driver decided to move the cones and drive around the roundabout where he soon became stuck as his car sunk into the water.

The main thing to remember when driving in torrential rain is not to risk driving through big puddles if you cannot see how deep they are, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and end up having to spend hundreds to fix your car!

-Danielle Wheeler