AN urgent flood warning was issued for parts of Colchester after a deluge of rain fell across the borough.

Nearly an inch of rain fell across most of Essex on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning causing widespread surface water flooding in the county.

This is roughly half of what the county would see in an average January.

And on Friday the Environment Agency issued a flood warning for River Colne between Lexden and Halstead.

It warned homes and businesses were in danger of flooding due to the river’s high water levels.

The warning said: “River levels are high, and continue to rise in response to the recent rainfall working its way through the system.

“Areas most at risk are Halstead, Earls Colne, Chappel, Ford Street and Lexden.

“The forecast is for dry conditions on Friday, which will allow river levels to lower, however, further rainfall expected through Saturday.”

Read more >>> Urgent flood warning issued for parts of north Essex

Gazette: Blocked - flood water blocked Heath Road, StanwayBlocked - flood water blocked Heath Road, Stanway

Essex Fire and Rescue Service also warned drivers to take extra care on the roads after a car left the road in Mersea Road, Langenhoe.

The rainfall caused flooding issues across the south of Colchester.

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Councillor Dave Harris reported eight different spots in Berechurch and Shrub End which had been hit by flooding to Essex Highways.

He said: “These are sites with repeated issues and every time it rains it floods.“It is all over my ward and across south Colchester.

“I don’t mind a puddle here and there, that we can live with, but not a foot or a foot and a half of water like some of these are.

“In some areas you can’t even see where the pavement starts.”

Gazette: Colchester floodingColchester flooding

Flooding was also seen on several roads in Stanway, including busy residential street Heath Road where residents described it as “like our own ford”.

Read more >>> Essex flooding: Pictures show chaos across north and mid Essex

Parts of Earls Colne including Overhall Hill and Station Road were overwhelmed and left impassable by surface water on Friday.

Some residents also took issue with the speed some drivers did through standing water in the town.

A weather warning for snow and rain has been issued for Saturday.

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