Advice is being issued to motorists following warnings of torrential rain over the coming days.

Road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has offered advice on driving in heavy rain, after the Met Office - the UK's national weather service - issued amber flood warnings, warning flooding is possible over the weekend and that the public need to take extra care as heavy and persistent rain causes surface water flooding.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: 'A suddenly very wet road surface increases the chances of slipping when braking or steering, which is a problem not just for motorists, but cyclists and motorcyclists too.

'When driving in wet conditions remember that stopping distances will increase, and visibility will be reduced. Drop your speed and give yourself more time to slow down.'

The charity says that where there is severe flooding, people should avoid venturing out and driving through deep water unless it is unavoidable.

They recommend drivers take the following precautions.

• Drive on the highest section of the road and don't set off if a vehicle is approaching you

• Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians

• Drive slowly and keep going once you have started – make sure you have a clear run. In a manual car, keep the revs high by slipping the clutch - which means the clutch is not fully engaged - all the time you are in the water

• If you can't see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend, think twice about starting to drive into it

• In deep water never take your foot off the accelerator, as this could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe

• Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.

Norfolk Police have warned of a number of areas affected by standing water.

A spokesman said: 'Due to the significant amount of rainfall overnight and this morning there are a number of areas affected by standing water.

'Our control room has only received a handful of extra weather related calls but motorists are being warned to drive with care.'

Inspector Ian Bogan, said: 'Drivers should slow down and beware of the extra water on the roads which is quite deep in places and can take you by surprise.

'Road surfaces could also be damaged due to the significant downpour, resulting in pot holes.

'Even when the rain stops care should still be taken as it will take some time for the water to disappear.'

They offer the following advice.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good condition.

• Plan your route in advance, using main roads as far as possible and have enough money and petrol.

• What is the weather like - rain or fog bring about different and difficult driving conditions. Listen to local weather forecasts and adjust your driving as necessary.

• Carry some change to make a public telephone call if you need to and if possible carry a mobile phone with sufficient credit on it to ring for help.

Have you been affected by the heavy rain or do you have pictures of it causing problems in Norfolk and Suffolk? Email Joe Wilkes at joe.wilkes@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772439