Drivers in Warwickshire urged to stay careful despite sunshine today

NEIGHBOURHOOD police officers are urging drivers to continue to take care on the roads as problems of flooding continue and are expected to worsen over the weekend.

Pcso Ed King, of the Warwick Rural East safer neighbourhoods team - which covers Radford Semele, Cubbington, Stoneleigh and surrounding villages, took this photograph of a car which had been adandoned in a flooded part of Offchurch yesterday (Thursday) morning, after being called to help retrieve it.

He said: “If you can avoid it, it’s best not to drive through lying surface water as you might flood your engine. The deepest water is usually nearest the kerb.

“To avoid the risk of flooding your engine and/or becoming stranded, try to find an alternative route and avoid driving through the flooded area.

“If in doubt don’t drive through the flooded area - yours and others safety is most important.”

He said that if it becomes necessary to drive through flooded roads, drivers should use first gear and move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine, keep their revs high and depress their clutch when needed.

He added: “Know your vehicles capabilities, don’t attempt to drive through deep water and risk getting stuck.”

The Met Office has forecast rain to affect south Warwickshire from noon onwards tomorrow (Saturday), becoming heavier through the afternoon and evening and continuing into Sunday morning, meaning flooding could become worse and spread to other areas currently unaffected.

People should listen to local radio stations for up-to-date information and check the Environment Agency website for flood warnings and advice on how to act.