by ADAM CORNELL SEVERE flooding is causing serious problems across the whole county.

Police and fire services have been dealing with and warning about problems in homes and across major and minor roads as rivers threaten to burst their banks.

Rettendon, Basildon, Burnham, Rayleigh, Baddow, Chelmsford, Witham, Dunmow, Brentwood, Corringham, Bulphan, Colchester, Latchingdon, Kirby le Soken and Blackmore have all been affected.

A spokesman for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed receiving more than 200 calls throughout the night with a critical incident team already established.

A spokesman said: “People continue to put themselves at risk by driving through flood water and getting stranded. Our advice is to use common sense.”

"The critical incident team has been established to ensure we use our resources most efficiently and effectively," said Senior Divisional Officer Paul Bowers. "At the moment we continue to priorities calls based on those at greatest risk."

Major roads currently affected are the A130, A127 and A12 (junction 12-11) at Ingatestone with some parts having to be closed during the night and into the early hours of the morning.

A spokesman for the police said: “There is deep standing water on many roads and motorists are advised to take extreme care, reduce their speed and allow extra time for their journeys and only travel if absolutely necessary.”

A flood warning has been issued around the river Chelmer ACC Sue Harrison said: “There will be significant disruption to the rush hour traffic this morning, police officers are out across the county and will close roads for the public's safety. “I would ask motorists to be co operate with police, be patient and listen to the radios for details of road closures in their area."

For information and advice on flooding in your area contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188.