The AA is urging drivers to take extra care as much of Britain braces for severe wind and rain over the next 48 hours.

With the Met Office forecasting further heavy downpours across southern and western areas of the UK, the AA is deploying specialist flood-busting Land Rovers to help stranded drivers in worst hit areas.

AA Driving School’s head of driver development, Mark Peacock, urged motorists to drive to the conditions: “Torrential rain and standing water will expose drivers to the dual hazards of poor visibility and possible aquaplaning – add to this sudden wind gusts and conditions will be quite challenging in some areas. Even experienced drivers can be caught out, so it’s important to drive more cautiously and allow extra time for your journey.

“If you find yourself in heavy downpours you should stay alert, keep both hands on the wheel and keep your speed down – the faster you're going the more chance there is of being caught out by wind, rain or standing water. If the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

"Only attempt to drive through flood water if you know how deep it is and maintain a steady, slow speed to avoid creating a bow wave. Any water entering the engine can wreck it."