Motorists faced hazardous driving conditions this morning after heavy rainfall left roads in the district under water.

Roads were flooded and firefighters were called to rescue a man who was trapped in his car after driving into knee-deep flood water in Latchingdon.

Cars were also said to be stuck in floodwater on Limebrook Way, Maldon, at A414 Wycke Hill, near the Morrisons roundabout.

The trouble-spots were: * B1018 Farmbridge Road, Latchingdon, northbound between Cold Norton Road and Limebrook Way/Fambridge Road, Maldon - flooding, with the road said to be impassable in places.

* B1022 Maypole Road, Tiptree - flooding at Oak Road near the Maypole restaurant, drivers urged to approach with care.

* B1012 Burnham Road, South Woodham Ferrers, between B1418/Old Wickford Road and B1010 Lower Burnham Road - flooding, drivers urged to approach with care.

* B1018 Limebrook Way, Maldon - flooding at A414 Wycke Hill, near the Morrisons roundabout. A few vehicles were stuck in the floodwater, drivers urged to approach with care.

* Holloway Road Maldon, between B1022 Heybridge Street and Langford Road/Maypole Road - flooding, drivers urged to approach with care.

* B1021 Southminster Road, Burnham - Southminster Road closed due to flooding between Green Lane/Mill Road (Eves Corner) and Marsh Road.

* Braxted Road, Great Braxted - partially blocked due to an accident involving three vehicles near Lea Lane.

Essex Fire Service said they were called at 7.19am today to a car in flood water in Mundon Road, Latchingdon A spokesman said: "A man was trapped in his car after driving into knee deep flood water. Crews had rescued the man by 7.54am."

The service's control room had a busy night receiving calls from across the from people who were affected by flooding.

In most cases, callers were advised to isolate their electrical supply and to call back immediately if the flooding did begin to affect their electricity.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Gary Fleming added: "We urge drivers to take caution when driving into flooded areas of road.

"The water can be deceptively deep and cars quickly become trapped. This puts the occupants of cars at great risk and can tie up fire crews for a long time carrying out complicated rescues.

"It is better to add a few minutes to your journey time by finding routes which avoid flood water than risk damaging your car and endangering your life."