ROADS and train lines were left flooded as thunderstorms arrived in north Essex after days of scorching temperatures.

The country has been basking in temperatures well into the 30s in a scorching summer heatwave.

Yesterday morning thunderstorms across Colchester and the surrounding areas brought a deluge of rain.

It led to flooding on roads and on train lines.

Network Rail engineers were called in after flooding on the railway between Colchester and Marks Tey.

Trains had to run at a slower speed as a result of the problems leading to delays and cancellations.

Read more >>> Met Office warns of six days of thunderstorms in UK

Once the flooding subsided Network Rail’s response team were able to remove all debris from the line.

Yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are in place in Colchester until 9pm on Monday.

The worst of the weather was expected yesterday and today.

Temperatures are also set to fall back into the low to mid 20s.

Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “It’s not often we get temperatures this high over several days, and that is triggering thunderstorms.”

Essex Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads ahead of the forecasted heavy rain.

Jim Palmer, from the prevention and protection team, said: “Driving in wet conditions can be dangerous especially after a spell of hot weather as grime and oil builds up on the roads to make it much more slippery.

“It’s always better to avoid driving in heavy rain, but if you do have to head our on the roads, please take extra care and follow our safety advice.

“We work in partnership with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership and are committed to making the roads of Essex safer to travel so we are urging everyone to take our advice and stay safe on the roads.”

It came as water companies across Essex urged people to restrict their water use amid the hot temperatures.

Anglian Water, Affinity Water and Essex and Suffolk Water have all issued advice.

Essex and Suffolk Water said it was working to maintain supplies.