DILUVIAN rains which pounded the roads overnight caused major flooding in South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire today.

Nearly 30mm of rain fell in the region, leaving entire areas waterlogged and dangerous to drive through.

Most trains were cancelled on the line between Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester and Newport, due to flooded tracks causing huge delays for commuters. Bus services were also cancelled or diverted.

In Tockington, the river burst its banks cascading onto the roads and leaving three cars stranded at the bottom of Washingpool Hill. Parts of the A38 were closed due to flooding by the district's street care team as well as Old Gloucester Road in Winterbourne, The Downs in Wickwar, Over Lane in Almondsbury and Perrinpit Lane in Frampton Cotterell among many others. Dyrham Park was shut for the day.

In Dursley, motorists faced treacherous conditions coming through Taits Hill. It was later closed to traffic.

By midday, Gloucestershire County Council had mobilised all its highways gangs to respond to flooding in the county.

Inspector for roads policing, Jason Keates, urged drivers to help keep Gloucestershire’s roads safe by thinking about their braking distance.

He said: "Don’t forget that braking distances can more than double on wet road surfaces, so keep your speed steady and slow and keep plenty of space between you and the car in front."

Avon Fire and Rescue Service attended more than 30 incidents and called on motorists not to attempt to drive through flood water.

The Met Office said heavy rainfall would persist until Saturday. More flood warnings are expected to be issued by the Environment Agency.