Police advice for driving in heavy rain and floods across Warwickshire

Many flood alerts are in place by the Environment Agency, which is affecting normal driving routes across Warwickshire.

Significant travel disruption across some routes is expected later today (Thursday) and over the weekend. Further flooding and tree damage from high winds could occur.

The Safer Roads Partnership and Warwickshire Police are advising people that, if driving through larger puddles or smaller areas of standing water, to drive slowly and steadily, allow oncoming traffic to pass and always test brakes after leaving the water.

If water has flooded across a section of road, it may be difficult to tell exactly how deep it is. People should not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

A police spokeswoman said: “There have been reports today of drivers ignoring road closures that are in place – this not only has the potential to put yourself in danger and other people, but it could also damage your vehicle. As little as an egg cup of water entering your engine is enough to wreck it.

“In weather conditions such as this, visibility can also be seriously reduced so headlights must be used and a bigger gap must be allowed between you and the car in front to allow for the increased stopping distance.”

Advice from the AA to anyone who breaks down in heavy rain is to try to get the car to a safe and visible place, call for roadside assistance and wait for help to arrive.

Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership said: “We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in these conditions, use common sense and follow our simple advice.

“Localised flooding still exists in places and the current forecast is predicting more of the same, so our advice is to stay alert to local weather and news reports and if your area is experiencing flooding, it’s advisable to leave any non-essential travel until any flooding has subsided.”