Emergency services are being called out to a catalogue of flooded roads tonight because of heavy rain across the region.

Persistent gentle rain has fallen across the region throughout the day, with up to 20mm falling in north Norfolk, 18mm in Norwich and 17mm over in the west of Norfolk.

A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said that rain should clear overnight with flood water beginning to pass by the morning.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning of rain for the East of England due to the risk of flooding where it fell on already saturated ground.

The extreme wet weather was due to a cold front crossing the country, after which skies were expected to clear causing temperatures to plummet to below freezing overnight with frost in some places.

In Norfolk police have closed Green Lane North, close to the Makro store at Postwick, because of flooding. Diversions are in place.

Fire crews have been called to The Heywood, Diss and Upper Street in Upper Street on the Norfolk Broads because of excess water.

A man was stuck in his car on Salhouse Road, Little Plumstead this afternoon. He has been rescued but the road has now closed.

On Aylsham Road, Cawston and Wash Lane, Forncett St Peter, cars have got stuck in water. At Forncett St Peter someone was rescued from their van by a boat team from Carrow Fire Station.

On Norwich Road, Strumpshaw officers have been helping with flooding outside the Huntsman pub where 12 to 18ins of rain is predicted to have fallen.

At Haugh Road, Banham there is reported to be a flood at the crossroads and at Aslacton, near Long Stratton, fire appliances from Long Stratton and Carrow and a rescue boat attempted to rescue a car stuck in a flooded ford on Low Common Road. The crews were stood down because the person self rescued.

The Enviroment Agency issued a flood warning in mid Norfolk at Rivers Middle Wensum, Wendling Beck, and Tud and in north Norfolk at River Bure and Spixworth Beck.

Most areas have reported between 10mm and 15mm of rain, with pooling water making for precarious driving conditions in parts.

Chris Bell, from Weatherquest, said the showers should have started clearing up in the early evening.

'The whole of the region has seen around 15mm but there could be a few more spots with more before all's said and done,' he said.

It is due to be a cold night with temperatures reaching as low as minus two degrees Celsius.

Mr Bell added that the nature of the rain meant flash flooding was unlikely.

However, Greater Anglia reported delays to trains from Sheringham to Norwich due to 'heavy flooding' on the railway.

There are currently no rain delays.

The rain also saw a dampening effect on the charity motor day at Snetterton race track, with organisers saying the rain had made an impact of visitor numbers.

In Suffolk, the Environment Agency has issued several flood warnings.

It says that flooding is expected for waterside properties in Haverhill, Broad Green and Sturmer, including the B1054, B1061 and the A143 roads.

A warning has also been issued for the River Rattlesden between Rattlesden and Combs Ford, and for the Chediston watercourse through Halesworth.

Other warnings include: Stour Brook at Haverhill, the Chediston watercourse through Halesworth, the River Kennett from Ousden to Freckenham; the River Lark from Sicklesmere to Bury St Edmunds; the River Brett from Lavenham to Higham and the River Box, from Boxford to Thorrington Street, Needham Market, north Ipswich, Sudbury, Lavenham and Higham.

The B1078, the main road between Needham Market and Barking, was amongst the routes blocked.

The railway line and the A144 through Halesworth are under threat of flooding.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said they have had reports of flooding in Stour Brook, Bumpstead Brook, River Lark and Kennett and Sicklesmere to Bury St Edmunds, Chediston watercourse at Halesworth including the A144 and railway, Needham Market (the bridge which runs over Coddenham B1078), River Kennett - Ousden to Freckenham

B1117 Denham, and the River Brett - Lavenham to Higham, Brent Eleigh including A1079 at Hadleigh.

Suffolk police said they have had no major incidents but warned people to take care.

And in Cambridgeshire flood alerts were issued for the River Kym, Lower and Upper River Cam and at Newmarket before Ashley where there is standing water on the B1063.

The Environment Agency's flood line, is 0345 988 1188.