As heavy downpours continue across the region tonight, residents are being warned to make sure family members are safe before salvaging belongings in the event of a household flood.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has issued safety advice and urged people to only phone 999 if someone’s life is in danger.
A statement from the brigade said: “We have received a number of calls to localised flooding incidents following the heavy rain today.
“With further rain forecast throughout the evening it is important that Essex residents understand when to call out emergency services.
“Crews and officers will only attend flooding incidents where there is a risk to life and will not ordinarily attend incidents only affecting property.
“In the first instance, people are advised to make sure family members are safe before attempting to salvage household items.
“We recommend that if you notice water is beginning to make its way towards your doors that you move items away, and where available, use sandbags to act as a barrier to divert moving water around.
“Please also take extra care and allow extra time on the roads.”
One of our photographers captured pictures of severe flooding in Haven Road, Colchester tonight.
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