A flood warning has been issued for drivers across Essex following heavy overnight rainfall. 

An alert has been issued for villages and towns which near the River Colne between Great Yeldham and Colchester.

This includes Castle Hedingham, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Earls Colne, Wakes Colne, Chappel and Fordstreet.

Motorists across the county are being warned to take extra care when travelling on the roads due to numerous reports of flooding.

The A131 between Halstead and Bulmer Tye is badly flooded, with water pouring off the fields and across the carriageway at the Castle Hedingham turn-off, just south of the Bulmer Fox pub.

The road between Halstead and Sible Hedingham is also reported to be flooded.

Essex County Council's deputy leader Kevin Bentley said: "Several roads in Essex today have standing water over much of the surface as drains struggle to cope with prolonged heavy rain overnight.

"Drivers are asked to please take great care, slow down, beware other drivers moving to the centre of the road and test your brakes after going through water. If you’re not sure you can easily get through, don’t chance it as you won’t be rescued quickly – emergency services are under pressure.

"If there are cyclists and pedestrians nearby, please do not splash them, slow right down and if necessary wait until you can move ahead safely and with no risk to others.

"Road drains are built to cope with most situations, but cannot immediately drain all water from the road, particularly where in flat, low-lying areas the land the water would drain to is already water-logged."

There is also understood to be heavy flooding in High Garrett, with parts Lyons Hall Road under water.

Residents and motorists are urged to report significant flooding at essex.gov.uk/highways.