Residents are being warned to prepare for possible flooding across the west of Dorset.

Groundwater levels have risen across the county in response to recent and prolonged rainfall. These levels will continue to rise and flooding of fields and roads is expected.

Further rainfall is expected over the next few days and the groundwater level is anticipated to continue to rise as a result.

Properties with flood resilience measures are advised to install them now. Residents may experience problems flushing toilets and have issues with septic tanks.

Due to this flood alert, there are a number of flood warnings for rivers and tributaries across the county.

A flood warning has been issued for the River Hooke. The Flood Information Service says there is a possibility of flooding for Toller Whelme, Hooke, Higher Kingcombe, Lower Kingcombe and Toller Porcorum.

Residents are advised to prepare property flood resilience measures and ensure that pumps are working where they have been installed.

The Met Office forecast over the next few days is for more rainfall, so groundwater levels are expected to rise again, which will exacerbate the situation.

There are further flood warnings, meaning that flooding is expected, at the following locations:

Groundwater flooding for the South Winterbourne Valley

Groundwater flooding in the Cerne Valley

Groundwater flooding for the Sydling