AS heavy rain and wind disrupts the country, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have issued a warning for motorists to take care on the roads.

The fire service warn that drivers can become trapped by rising floodwaters during periods of heavy rain, with only six inches of water enough to cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle.

Road safety and community safety projects manager Neil Evans said: “"We ask all drivers to drive to arrive and heed our Fatal Five messages – Don't drink and drive, kill your speed, don't get careless, belt up and switch off your mobile phone.

"Extra care must be taken when driving in these wet and wintry conditions.

"Calls to people who have driven through flood water places additional pressure on our emergency services.”

If it is necessary for motorists to drive during periods of flooding, the service is encouraging people to avoid driving during these periods of rain and during the busy times, ensure you have enough fuel in your car, follow recommended routes, be aware of river or streams and if you are inside a vehicle and water is rising, abandon the vehicle immediately and call the emergency services.

Mr Evans added: "Please pay attention to our safety messages and any signs telling you the roads are closed due to flood water. Drivers who ignore these signs, do so at their peril."

Further information can be found at www.mawwfire.gov.uk or www.roadsafetywales.org.uk