ROADWORKS and rain are combining to create a commuters' nightmare in north Essex today.

The persistent and torrential downpour flooded roads.

Drivers were urged to take extra care, but many did not.

There are also several sets of roadworks adding to delays.

A crash at a roundabout on the A133 closed the road in both directions by Weeley and Little Clacton just before 8.30am. It was cleared after about an hour.

Roadworks were due to be put in place on Ipswich Road between the Ardleigh interchange and Severalls Business Park from 9am today.

By noon they were not in place.

However a crash on the roundabout between two cars and a lorry shortly before 9am closed a lane causing delays in the same area instead.

The roadworks are expected to remain in place for six weeks.

The Northern Approach road closure and delays remain in place.

A 30mph temporary speed limit was imposed on the A12 by Colchester at 7am due to surface water.

The junction between Warren Lane and Maldon Road flooded and at about 11am a car rolled off the road.

A 19-year-old girl was taken to Colchester General Hospital although her injuries are not serious.

The pedestrian crossing on North Station Road closed, with temporary traffic lights put in place, but no work was taking place during the morning.

There is some flooding at the Hythe on Haven Road and Lightship Way.

Also flooding on Cowdray Avenue and slow moving traffic on St Andrew's Avenue and Clingoe Hill.

And reports have been received of a car blocking part of Harwich Road after a wheel slipped into a drain.

The area was cordoned off, although traffic was still able to get past.

Emergency services are dealing with reports of fallen trees and localised flooding across the county.

Essex Police has offered advice to motorists driving through the heavy raid.

A spokesman said: "Know the risks.

"Many cars will start to float in as little as 12 inches of water.

"This can be extremely dangerous; as the wheels lose grip, and you will lose control - with the obvious risks and consequences.

"The engine air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the car; just an egg cupful of water ingested into the combustion chamber is sufficient to destroy an engine. Water does not compress, resulting in bent or broken con rods or split engine block. Driving too fast, even in relatively shallow water can cause water to be ingested.

"Even appropriate fording can cause costly damage. The catalytic converter, (part of the exhaust system) which works at extremely high temperatures, can crack upon contact with cold water, requiring costly replacement.

"Only drive through flood water if you know it's not too deep. This will be no deeper than the lowest part of the vehicle's bodywork, (usually the bottom of the spoiler (front panel) or sill panel, (below the doors). 

"Do not attempt to drive through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach - your car could easily be swept away, even at modest depths. 

"With standing water, physically test the depth of the water with a pole (wade in, if necessary, but only where it is safe to do so), or observe the depth against other vehicles that cross successfully. (Just because they are successful does not mean it is appropriate to follow, see above). If in doubt, don't.

"If you have to drive through water, select a low gear so the engine revs are higher, slipping the clutch if necessary or, for automatic vehicle, select the lowest ratio and balance the throttle and brakes. 

"Before entering, consider other drivers - pass through flooded sections one car at a time, don't drive through water against approaching fording vehicles. 

"Drive slowly and steadily to avoid creating a large bow wave. 

"Test your brakes as soon as you leave the water.

"If the worst happens and you break down: firstly, ensure the safety of all involved, including other road users. Do not repeatedly try to start the engine, (this may cause further damage). Call for recovery and wait in a safe place."
 

By 1.30pm traffic flow had improved although more rain and disruption is forecast.

Firefighters attended about 13 of 40 calls in Essex due to flooding this morning.