Torrential rain and thunderstorms caused rush-hour chaos for thousands of motorists and rail travellers early today.

Clouds rolled in last night bringing heavy downpours and localised flooding across the region.

Trains from Essex and East Anglia to London's Liverpool Street station were delayed after lightning struck a signalling cabin at Shenfield early today.

Services from Southend, Colchester, Chelmsford and Ipswich were affected.

Treacherous driving conditions sparked a major police warning for road users to slow down and take care.

Motorists were confined to speeds of just 20 miles per hour on many arterial routes as the heavy rain caused minor flash floods.

Acting Sgt Duncan Horner, of Rayleigh traffic division, said: "It is vital in weather like this that motorists allow plenty of room between cars, drive according to the weather conditions and take extra time for their journeys."

Early today, fire crews were called out to a house in Gloucester Avenue, Rayleigh, which had been hit by a lightning strike.

Station officer Tony Tubb said: "This incident caused minor damage to the house after lightning hit a television aerial. The loft of the house was basically full of smoke."

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