Control Room receives more than 100 calls after widespread flooding across Essex

Our Control Room received more than 100 calls throughout the day today after heavy rain caused widespread flooding across Essex.

Among the incidents we attended were:

• 09:02am - Crews from Colchester, USAR and Coggeshall rescued three people who were trapped in their car in floodwater in Old House Road, Great Horkesley. 
• 09:16am - Crews from Manningtree and Hawkwell worked to pump water away from houses in Boxted after rising water started to enter the houses.
• 10:53am - Crews from Rochford and Rayleigh Weir rescued a woman who was trapped in her car in floodwater in Magnolia Road, Rochford.
• 3:04pm - Crews with Witham, Chelmsford and Leigh were called to rescue a man and his dog from their car trapped in floodwater in Paper Mill Lock.
• 4:42pm - Crews from Harlow and Loughton rescued a man who was trapped in his vehicle in floodwater in Abridge Road, Theydon Bois.
• 5:05pm - Crews from Epping and Stansted rescued a man who was trapped in his vehicle in floodwater in New Way Lane, Matching.
• 6:14pm - Crews from Epping, Loughton and Harlow rescued four people from a car trapped in floodwater in Abridge Road, Abridge.
• 11:18pm - Crews from Sible Hedingham, Halstead and Colchester rescued two people who were on the roof of their car after becoming trapped in floodwater in Lower Stoke Road, Ashen.

If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find another route. 

Do not risk driving through floodwater. You'd be putting your life at risk as well as the lives of our crews who are called to rescue you. You also might not be covered by your car insurance if you intentionally drive through floodwater.

If floodwater is entering your home:

• Block entrances with sand bags or towels
• Take valuables and electrical items upstairs if you can
• Isolate your electric and gas supplies if it is safe to do so when water starts to enter your home