Luxury cars were abandoned, schools were forced to close and severe delays affected the roads as Epping Forest was hit by floods today (June 23).

Ongar and the surrounding area was the worst hit by waters which rose after intense overnight rain.

The A414 between the Four Wantz roundabout and North Weald was completely flooded in points and was closed until about 2.30pm.

A number of cars were abandoned, and Essex Fire and Rescue Service had to help trapped drivers from their cars.

With heavy thunderstorms, flash flooding and further travel problems forecast, the Ongar Academy in The Gables decided to close early and sent most pupils home at 1.15pm.

Workmen were seen wading through waist-deep water, trying to push their van after underestimating the depth of floodwaters near the River Roding.

Water built up on the M25 between junction 27 near Epping and junction 26 in Waltham Abbey.

Other affected areas included Stapleford Abbotts, Abridge and Stanford Rivers.

Environment Agency flood alerts still cover parts of Epping, Loughton, Chigwell, Upshire, Buckhurst Hill and Waltham Abbey.

The River Roding in the south of the district, Cripsey Brook in the east and Lower Lee tributaries in the west could all rise further with more heavy rain on the way.