Flash floods caused havoc across the Dean with villages being cut off, major routes awash and cars stranded.

Cinderford Brook and the River Lyd were on flood alert after 30mm of rain fell in a matter of hours.

The A40 was nearly impassable between Longhope and Huntley as water flowed like a river down the carriageway. Cars also came to grief at Lydney bypass roundabout. The A48 at Broadoak railway bridge and Elton corner were passable with care.

The Blakeney to Soudley road was under several inches of water as residents tried in vain to clear drains and one dad Shaun Thompson, who was trying to take his son's swimming costume to school, was unable to get through!

Traffic queued up on Forest Road between Norchard and Lydney after the road flooded and a car was abandoned in the water on a blind bend.

Scott Skuse, a volunteer at Dean Forest Railway, said: "I saw water on the road and it just got deeper and deeper. I reported it to the police, and they said they would contact Highways about it.

"I've seen it flood there before but it's usually gone very quickly but this is much worse. You can see how fast the water is flowing off the bank."

Flooding was reported at various other points along New Road including at Whitecroft and Parkend.

Residents in the Rodley area of Westbury-on-Severn were cut off as floodwater filled the lanes and one driver had to abandon her car.

Photography student Maddy Sharp who took some pictures of the floods, said: "My car lights were under water when I tried to go up the lane and another driver's car was actually afloat when she had to abandon it."

Mum Jan D'Ambrogio, of Huill View, Rodley Road, said the only way out of the village was by canoe.

The rapidly rising levels of Westbury Brook meant Geoff Sterry had to move his sheep to safety. He was keeping watch on the brook near his coal merchants' business which has flooded the A48 in the past.

Hartpury CofE Primary School closed after

lunch because of flooding.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue were called out to Newent where the carpark around the lake and B4215 were flooded.

The family of John Clissold turned out in force to stop his cottage on Ross Road being flooded again.

John, 66, who suffered a heart attack six weeks ago said: "The road flooded so the family came out to unblock the drains and my wife put sandbags out to stop it coming into the cottage.

"When we saw the Highways truck, we thought they had come to help but they drove straight past.

"It's stopped now but I'm worried about what will happen over the next few days."

Gloucestershire County Council mobilised highways teams but urged the public to help by kicking leaves or other blockages from drains.

Manager Jason Humm said: "Our teams are out all over the county responding to any emergency calls and clearing away free standing water where necessary. At the same time, members of the public are asked to please help out."

More rain is expected today and the area will remain on severe weather alert for the next few days. The ground will remain saturated so localised flooding could occur again.