Forecasters say colder weather is on the way after a day of rain on Sunday led to localised flooding.

On Sunday, the Environment Agency issued ten flood warnings in Suffolk and Essex - although the danger was expected to subside in the early hours of Monday morning.

Temperatures were also due to plummet from a day-time high of 11C to -2C overnight with frost in some places.

A decision has already been made to send out gritting lorries across the whole of Essex.

On Sunday night, a Suffolk fire service spokesman warned people not to try to drive through flooded roads.

“We have taken a number of calls from people who have driven into flood water requesting our assistance. Please drive with care and do not enter flooded roads. Not all the roads are signposted so please be vigilant.”

There were reports of flooding at Stour Brook, Bumpstead Brook, River Lark and Kennett and Sicklesmere to Bury St Edmunds, Chediston watercourse at Halesworth including the A144 and railway, the bridge at Needham Market, River Kennett - Ousden to Freckenham, B1117 at Denham, River Brett - Lavenham to Higham, and Brent Eleigh including A1079 at Hadleigh.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to a number of flood-related calls, but said drivers were still ignoring warnings and going through flooded sections of road and becoming stranded.

A spokesman 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 which 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.”