ROADS were closed, homes cut off and cars aquaplaned off roads as torrential rain and floods caused mayhem.

There was chaos on the M62 when cars driving 'too fast' in heavy rain slammed into the centre lane barrier.

The drivers effectively became passengers when their cars hit standing water on the motorway and they were helpless to control their vehicles from smashing into the barriers.

Police officers at the scene said the crashes were a result of the motorists driving too fast into standing water, causing serious damage to the front of their cars.

READ MORE: List of roads closed

READ MORE: Residents left stranded

Both drivers walked away from the crashes uninjured.

Fire crews from Otley were dispatched to recover cars and lorries from flooded roads after the River Wharfe burst its banks on Saturday.

Police said a number of  roads were closed as a result.

Some residents, including a 94 year old woman, were in danger of being stranded.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Please comply with the road closures for your own personal safety."