CARS ended up stuck in the water during the morning rush hour due torrential downpours.

Roads in Colchester, including Distillery Lane, were left completely flooded and had to be shut.

Police and the fire service have been out since yesterday evening clearing blocked drains and rescuing cars.

Houses are also reported to have been flooded near Distillery Lane. 

Traffic is stationary along Military Road towards the Hythe- avoid if possible. 

Gazette:

UPDATE: Fire crews were called last night to initial reports of nine houses in Distillery Lane, Colchester, suffering from flooding.

On arrival firefighters reported that the area was flooded, with the water level of a nearby flooded lake continuing to rise.

Firefighters set up a pump to reduce the water level from the lake and pump it to the quay, which is close by.

Firefighters also used aqua vacs to attempt to remove water from the affected houses.

By 10.30pm firefighters reported that flood water had made its way to a nearby block of flats which later had to be evacuated as the water had reached an electrical sub station.

Further crews from the county worked throughout the night in shifts, focusing on reducing the water level in all affected areas, liaising with highways, liaising with UK Power Network to ensure the scene was safe and assisting with the resident evacuation.

At 7.15am crews had to rescue a driver who had driven into the flood water.

Update 9am: Crews remain on site and are monitoring water levels.

Update 10.55am: The Co-op bank in Colchester High Street is closed this morning due to flooding. 

Gazette:

Update 11.43am: A BRIDGE under the A12 in Witham has been closed this morning due to flooding.

Essex Highways engineers are currently at Maldon Road bridge, Witham, working to deal with the flooding.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Gazette:

Darren Robb took a photo of firefighters at Hythe Quay this morning.

Anglia Water in Colchester stepped in to help a 60-year-old woman in Albany Gardens. 

Staff said it was "heartbreaking" to see the woman attempting to sweep water away from her home, and they offered to pump the water out. 

Were you caught up in the floods? Send us your photos or get in touch to share your story. Email katherine.palmer@newsquest.co.uk or call 01206 508414.