WEST Dorset is on high alert for further flooding following the torrential wind and rain that has battered the coast – with further bad weather forecast for this week.

The weekend saw stormy weather hit the county, and with the ground at saturation point and rivers almost bursting their banks, there are fears the forecasted bad weather could bring widespread flooding to the district.

Dorset remains on a Met Office amber alert, with high winds and large waves expected later which could cause coastal flooding across West Dorset.

Gusts of wind up to 70mph are forecasted for later today, and residents are being warned that more flooding could follow as rivers reach saturation point. Sharp showers with hail and thunder are possible today with yellow warnings for wind and rain issued.

Communities are being urged to remain prepared for flooding as peak flows move along the rivers Dorset Stour and Frome with the possibility of significant flooding in the lower reaches of these rivers.

Flood warnings remain in place for Lyme Regis harbour and West Bay harbour.

Stoke Road, near the B3163 Clay Lane junction between Stoke Abbott and Beaminster, has been blocked due to a landslip. A further landslip has been reported on the B3145 in Sherborne. The road is blocked near the Castle Town Way junction. The Old Sherborne Road is impassable as a result of this flooding.

Conditions on the A35 between Bridport and Dorchester were especially treacherous last night with thick fog engulfing the road, with multiple large puddles (especially on three sisters) also on the road. Conditions were made worse by the strong side winds, with drivers warned the bad conditions likely to continue for the rest of the week.

Dorset Police have reissued their advice to stay away from coastal areas and rivers and not to ignore any road closure signs.

In high winds Dorset Police have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, to avoid speeding and to keep a safe distance away from other vehicles.

Motorists are also advised to plan ahead for journeys and to allow extra time to get to your destination and when visibility is reduced to switch on headlights.

In the event of flooding, drivers are advised to exercise caution when approaching standing water on the roads and to give consideration to the depth of the water.

Drivers should drive through shallow water slowly and be aware of the effect of waves on other road users.

Occupants of properties at risk of flooding or who have concerns and are unsure what to do can contact the Environment Agency on 0845 9881188 or can visit environment-agency.gov.uk for more information. In an emergency, people should still call 999.

Don’t forget you can send in your pictures of flooding by posting to our facebook pages, tweeting us @thebridportnews or @lymeregis_news or by emailing us news@bridportnews.co.uk