Storm Babet: Drivers stuck in floodwater in County Durham

After Storm Babet brought strong winds and torrential rain on Friday (October 20), roads that were low-lying or situated next to a river were flooded and unsuitable for cars to drive through. 

Despite police and councils putting out warning signs and road closure notices at the start of the roads, several motorists still tried to wade their way through the floodwater and got stuck.

Read more: Storm Babet: Cars crushed by trees in County Durham

In images shared by Durham County Council, several cars can be seen wedged in the middle of high water with no driver in sight. 

Alongside the images, Durham County Council put out a warning to drivers in the region on Friday, which read: "Please don't take the risk.

A car gets wedged in the floodwater (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

"Some of our roads are still blocked with flooding.

"Please take care and when you see flooding or road closed signs, don't try to get through.

"Getting stuck in flood water is dangerous to you and others and can prevent us from being able to clear the flood or get the road open again.

A driver ignoring the road closed sign (Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL)

"Let's all work together to keep things safe and moving as soon as we can.

"Our teams have been out all night and continue to work hard today.

Get more from The Northern Echo with a Premium Plus Digital Subscription for as little as £1.50 a week. Click here.

The statement added: "If a road is closed, please do not remove the cones or try to drive through it for your own safety as well as other road users - we advise all users to find an alternative route.

"Tonight we have seen many cars moving cones out of the way and driving through roads that have been closed.

"As you can see from the photo below, this is the outcome of trying to drive through."