MOTORISTS have been urged to take care with possible heavy downpours forecast for this weekend.

Worcestershire County Council is reminding drivers to take care with the MET Office forecasting periods of heavy rainfall and thunder tomorrow and possibly into Sunday and Monday.

The council said residents should be aware of the potential for localised surface water flooding at times.

County councillor John Smith OBE, said: "We would urge all motorists and residents to take care when walking or driving through water sodden or flooded roads and pathways.

“Worcestershire County Council has extra teams on standby to ensure that disruption to both residents and motorists is kept to a minimum.

“The weather is expected to be intermittent over the weekend and into Monday and as such residents and motorists should prepare appropriately.”

A statement from the council read: “Worcestershire County Council has taken relevant precaution to minimise any disruption throughout the county.

“These measures include increasing the number of gully emptiers and gangs on out of hours and weekend cover.

“Motorists are being reminded when driving through larger puddles or smaller areas of standing water, drive slowly and steadily, allow oncoming traffic to pass and always test your brakes after leaving the water.

“If water has flooded across a section of road it may be difficult to tell exactly how deep it is. If you do come across a road that is flooded do not attempt to drive through the flood water.

“This not only has the potential to put yourself and other people in serious danger, it could also damage your vehicle and wreck your engine.”