Incredible aerial pics reveal Christmas getaway hell for 18million Brits as floods shut motorways and block railways

FLOODS have sparked chaos across the UK with shocking aerial snaps showing waterlogged fields and motorways across the country.

Christmas travels plans were shot as torrential rain lashed Frantic Friday with railways and the M23 shut.

The M23 was closed in both directions and landslides blocked Southern train lines sparking "do not travel" warnings on Friday.

Cars trying to get to the airport are sat bumper-to-bumper in long queues as a large chunk of the motorway is expected to be closed for "several hours" this morning.

One driver tweeted: "3 hours so far on the M23 northbound and queuing to get off at Pease Pottage. Keep well away."

More than 31 million Brits are expected to hit the roads this weekend to try to beat bumper-to-bumper Christmas traffic.

Passengers face train chaos in Kent, Surrey and Sussex as delays and cancellations have been warned.

Aerial snaps show large stretches of murky floodwater.

Cars can be seen zooming across waterlogged roads as floodwaters creep up trees, dwarfing them.

The Met Office warned of localised flooding and urged people to take care when travelling.

Yesterday Britain was hit with flash floods as a major incident was declared in Cornwall and homes were evacuated.

Torrential rain left large stretches of the main A30 impassable as the Environment Agency urged drivers to avoid swathes of flood water.

Photos show cars struggling through flooded areas as water creeps up around homes and businesses.

Snaps show waterlogged railways, wth torrential rain lashing the tracks and making train travel impossible.

Southern Rail said:  “The Balcombe area is currently flooded. Due to the consistent rainfall, the water level has reached rail level height, this means trains are not able to to travel over the track.

“Network Rail have dispatched track maintenance teams to the area, to assess and take whatever action may help.

“We strongly advise to not travel at this time.