Flooding caused by heavy rainfall left Suffolk and north Essex communities facing problems on Friday - but the lead up to Christmas is expected to be a lot drier.

East Anglian Daily Times: Vehicles pass through the flood water on the B113 near Bramford Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNVehicles pass through the flood water on the B113 near Bramford Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Flood warnings were issued throughout the region on Friday morning following persistent rain over Thursday night.

However, the rain is expected to subside over the next few days, despite expected showers on Saturday morning.

Forecasters Weatherquest said the rain across East Anglia cleared further to the east, leaving some clear spells.

Weatherquest said the days building up to Christmas Day are expected to be dry, with only a small chance of rain forecast.

East Anglian Daily Times: The railway bridge in Needham Market had flood water running underneath it after a deluge overnight on December 19 Picture: BOB REASONThe railway bridge in Needham Market had flood water running underneath it after a deluge overnight on December 19 Picture: BOB REASON (Image: BOB REASON)

Fred Best, meteorologist at Weatherquest, said: "We're still looking at a few showers on Saturday, particularly in the morning. However, Sunday and Monday are expected to be dry.

"Christmas Day looks like it will be quite a dry day, apart from some possible fog."

Forecasts predict Saturday should be mostly bright in the UK, with a few showers in the west for most areas once early rain has cleared south-east England.

Monday will be mostly dry with sunny spells, although there will be showers in western Scotland and north-west England.

East Anglian Daily Times: One junction close to Clare is covered in muddy water and debris as a result of flooding in Suffolk Picture: NICOLE WIMPRESSOne junction close to Clare is covered in muddy water and debris as a result of flooding in Suffolk Picture: NICOLE WIMPRESS (Image: NICOLE WIMPRESS)

However, the Met Office have warned drivers to take care on the roads due to the possibility of further flooding in Suffolk.

A spokesman said: "There could be localised flooding. Stay in touch with the forecast, there could be delays to transport."

Flood warnings - advising homeowners to turn off their electricity supply and move family and pets away from danger - were in place as late as Friday evening, despite rain stopping in the early afternoon.

Some 74 flood warnings were in place for England on Friday, alongside 229 flood alerts, warning flooding was possible.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tinkers Lane in Hadleigh has been flooded badly, with dog walker Paul Barton finding the bridge across the River Brett submerged Picture: PAUL BARTONTinkers Lane in Hadleigh has been flooded badly, with dog walker Paul Barton finding the bridge across the River Brett submerged Picture: PAUL BARTON (Image: PAUL BARTON)

A Met Office spokesman said on Friday: "Given the fact that there has been a lot of rain in southern England already this week, there is potential for flash flooding and difficult driving conditions, especially as it is a busy weekend in the run-up to Christmas."

Fortunately, the government's flood information service had the risk of flooding in Suffolk until Christmas Eve as "very low".

Mr Best explained the wet weather of recent weeks had contributed to the flooding.

He said: "If the ground is already wet, it struggles to absorb any more water."

East Anglian Daily Times: Hadleigh is one town of many in Suffolk and Essex which as seen amber flood alerts issued yesterday Picture: PAUL BARTONHadleigh is one town of many in Suffolk and Essex which as seen amber flood alerts issued yesterday Picture: PAUL BARTON (Image: PAUL BARTON)