Travel advice

Driving after very heavy rain can be particularly hazardous as your concentration, the general visibility, your car's ability to brake and the condition of road surface can all be affected.

And vehicles which have been abandoned by the side of the road can add to difficult driving conditions.

If you are aware of the likelihood of very heavy rain or flooded roads you should consider whether your journey is really necessary.

If driving is unavoidable, do not drive through deep water but consider taking a different route.

Driving in floods

If you have to drive through flood water, do not enter the water if another vehicle is already driving towards you. The wave created by the other vehicle could cause water to enter your vehicle, stalling your engine. Wait until the other car has passed and keep your car windows closed - drive slowly.

Try to drive through the most shallow part and try not to stop or allow the engine to idle in deep water, otherwise water might get into the exhaust.

In order to avoid stalling the engine you might find it helpful to increase the engine's revs.

After driving through flood water, test your brakes to make sure they are working properly.

If not, dry the brakes by applying light pressure to the brake pedal for a few seconds.

Drying the brakes is particularly important if the vehicle has drum brakes.

And remember that by driving through flooded streets you are creating waves which may make the flooding worse inside nearby houses.