ESSEX Fire Service have been inundated with calls over flooding in Witham since early this morning following heavy rainfall overnight.
Since 6.30am firefighters have attended a number of incidents, including a collapsed roof at the Rivenhall Hotel as a result of rain water.
Water was pumped from the drain at the three star hotel at Rivenhall End and the area was made safe.
Houses on Lyme Close have also been affected by flooding and crews attended to pump water from the properties.
Brentwood PCSO and Witham resident Matthew Grimwood has been helping residents escape their flooded homes since 7am this morning, including rescuing a young family and their guinea pigs from a house three foot under water.
"I came out just after 7am because I could see how bad it was, it's the worst flooding I've ever seen in Witham," he said.
"There isn't a lot the emergency services can do. People are still driving through the flood water, that's why they've had to close off some roads because the waves from the cars driving through was making flooding in the houses worse."
The A12 in the area has also been subject to rolling road blocks as a result of the severe weather.
Motorists are being advised to avoid driving in areas of flood water, and there are some remaining delays on trains via Witham and Braintree.
