Weather warnings to motorists after man dies in flooded ford

Firefighters are warning Hampshire motorists about the dangers of driving through flood water following the death of a man this morning. The car he was travelling was submerged in deep water at a ford near Newbury earlier today. Firefighters are now urging motorists not to drive through flooded roads as the water is often deeper than it looks and could be moving quickly.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to highlight the below guidelines:

• Avoid entering any river fords during or after periods of rainfall;

• Always pay attention to warning devices, such as depth gauges;

• If in doubt, DO NOT enter the water in a vehicle or on foot;

• If water is safe to enter, always test your vehicle breaks on exiting;

• Motorists should slow down, cross in lower gears and keep revs up to maintain pressure in the exhaust to prevent water getting into the engine.