MOTORISTS were warned to take extra care tonight as torrential rain swept across Berkshire, causing flooded roads and traffic queues.

Long lines of vehicles built up in west Reading as the Cow Lane bridges flooded, restricting through traffic to single file.

Parts of the Oxford Road were flooded and kerbside drains in other parts of town overflowed under the pressure of the rain which began falling in late afternoon. It is expected to clear late tonight but return around 7am to make the morning rush hour miserable.

Large puddles build up on the A4 between Reading and Newbury and drivers were advised to proceed with caution.

Traffic slowed to a crawl on the M4 Motorway between Reading and Maidenhead and police, who reported flood water up to a foot deep in places across the county, were preparing to shut some roads until the worst of the rain passed.

The area's rivers, including regular blackspots like the Pang and Kennet, were flowing fast but Environment Agency officials, keeping a close watch on the situation, have so far not put any flood warnings in place.