SERIOUS flooding has hit parts of Dunmow overnight with roads blocked, cars abandoned and rivers threatening to burst their banks. Much of the county was affected after a month s worth of rainfall fell in just 10 hours, making it difficult for rivers and

SERIOUS flooding has hit parts of Dunmow overnight with roads blocked, cars abandoned and rivers threatening to burst their banks.

Much of the county was affected after a month's worth of rainfall fell in just 10 hours, making it difficult for rivers and drains to cope.

Essex firefighters reported some 275 calls about flooding from 6pm last night. The worst affected area was around Chelmsford and most of the work has involved routine and lengthy pumping out.

The River Chelmer at Great Easton has risen to over 5ft, Little Easton is currently cut off while all roads to Finchingfield, Weathersfield and Great Bardfield are closed.

In Dunmow, Braintree Road and Church End are closed, while the B184 between Great Easton and Thaxted is shut.

One motorist in Duton Hill ditched their car as water levels rose to dangerous levels.

Dunmow Town Council also left out sand bags at 8.30am this morning for use by residents in Church End.

Deputy town clerk, David Green, said: "The water is the highest I have seen it for a while.

"I expect more water in Dunmow in the next 10 hours because further North it is already nigh and will run through the Chelmer Valley."

Essex Police have set up a strategic group to co-ordinate the emergency response. The group includes Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, Essex County Council, local authorities and the Highways Agency.

Assistant Chief Constable 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 co-operate with police, be patient and listen to the radio for details of road closures in their area."

Fire crews have set up a critical incident team and are asking people to use common sense.

Senior divisional officer, Paul Bowers, said: "At the moment we continue to prioritise calls based on those at greatest risk."

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

Send us your pictures of the flooding to editor@dunmowbroadcast.co.uk or call us at 01799 512882.