A coastguard team has released a video showing the dangers of driving through extreme weather in areas hardest-hit by Storm Dennis.

Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team, which covers the area between Portsmouth and Southampton, says drivers have been ignoring road closure signs and ‘wading through 2ft of water’.

The team uploaded dramatic footage on social media of a responder driving through huge waves lashing a coastal road, captioned: ‘This is what we had to go through to assist one of them.’

They warned that waves can carry rocks and stones in them.

Twitter user Gaz Doughty wrote: ‘They should be charged a stupidity fee. Putting other lives at risk to save theirs. Selfish beyond words!’

Meanwhile, a driver who had a lucky escape when his car span off the road near Plymouth has warned others to slow down during the bad weather.

The man, in his 40s, said his BMW, hit a ‘river’ going across the A38 dual carriageway and went in a complete circle, avoiding other vehicles and the central barrier, according to Plymouth Live.

Police forces across the country have warned drivers only to use the roads if necessary.

Many parts of the country have been hit by flooding and amber warnings for heavy rain are set to stay in place until 9pm tonight.

Warnings for severe winds have been extended until 11am on Monday, with gales of up to 70mph expected.

Less than 1ft (30cm) of moving water can be enough to float a car, yet an AA poll of 18,000 drivers found nearly three in four motorists would risk driving through flood water.

Ben Aldous, the RAC’s patrol of the year, warned drivers to take ‘extreme care’ especially on coastal or exposed roads.

He said: ‘Combine the strength of the wind with heavy showers, and you have a recipe for some treacherous driving conditions.’

‘We strongly recommend drivers reduce their speed and leave plenty of space between their vehicle and those around them.

‘Be particularly careful when passing high-sided vehicles when the potential for strong cross-winds could blow them off course.

‘Drivers in rural areas should be particularly cautious of falling debris.’

On Saturday evening coastguards were called to a report of a person on a small boat in danger on the River Medway in Kent.

Rescuers were sent out in ‘very difficult conditions’ in an RNLI lifeboat and took the person to safety.

Ben Hambling, Maritime Operations Controller said: ‘Conditions were very challenging and this person was lucky that we were able to reach them.

‘The strong winds and heavy rain we are currently experiencing are meaning the water can be a dangerous place to be.

‘Please don’t take any unnecessary risks that could put yourself, and emergency services, in danger. If you do see someone in difficulty on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

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