THE fire service is warning people not to drive through flood water after receiving three separate calls in a few hours after cars got stuck in fords.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called at 6.15am today (Thursday) to Shell Ford, Himbleton, near Droitwich, and again at 9.30am to Ford Lane, Droitwich.

The service received a third call from Wythall in the Redditch area but on each occasion the people had already managed to get out the car and were just asking for their car to be towed out.

A spokesman for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said its priority is to save lives rather than towing vehicles stuck in flood water or fords.

"Once we have rescued the occupants from their vehicles, we can then free up resources to make them available for other emergencies," she said.

Meanwhile, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of heavy, thundery rain at times on Saturday across the two counties, the fire service is urging people to stay alert .

Station Commander Alan Haley said: “It’s a good idea to have a list of useful phone numbers ready in case of flooding and to keep it somewhere safe.

"If your home does begin to flood, turn off your electricity supply, and do not touch any sources of electricity such as switches or appliances when you are standing in flood water. Do help any elderly family members or neighbours to prepare as well.”

Urging motorists to be vigilant he added: “Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous because it is impossible to see how deep the water is or whether there are hazards under the water which could damage your car and leave you stranded.

“Please do not take risks – you could be putting your car, yourself and others in danger by doing so.”