Firefighters are responding to calls about floods as heavy rain makes driving conditions dangerous.

Motorists have become stranded after driving through flooded roads.

A spokesman at Essex Fire Control said: "We have had a steady stream of flood related calls and road traffic collisions as a result of the weather all afternoon.

"The fire service can only respond to flood related emergencies where there is life risk but people continue to dial in for all kinds of assistance more suited to roadside recovery or plumbers.

"There have been a number of road traffic collisions that can only be as a result of people not adapting to driving conditions in the wet weather.

"There have also been a number of people calling us to say they are stranded in flood water and when crews arrive they have safely got out themselves without assistance.

"Our water rescue teams are working flat out as they are mobilised every time we get a flood call, regardless of whether it's a real incident for us.

"Of course, it's important to stress that people should always dial 999 in a real emergency and we will respond."

The fire service could not give details of all individual incidents at this stage.