DORSET was once again battered by torrential rain with flooding causing widespread travel disruption.

Major routes and country lanes were underwater as more heavy rain hit an already soggy county.

Some rural communities were in danger of being cut off as waters from nearby rivers rose and the rain hammered down yesterday morning.

The Environment Agency issued a flood warning for the River Wey from Upwey to Weymouth along with various other flood warnings and alerts across Dorset.

Some of Weymouth's roads were closed due to the flooding. Nottington Lane and the road up towards Langton Herring and Radipole Lane from Causeway to Spa Road are still closed.

Elsewhere, the A35 was again hit by heavy flooding at Winterbourne Abbas and the route was also hazardous towards Poole.

The A352 was closed between Winfrith and the Burton Cross Roundabout near Wool.

Coastal routes were also affected – the B3157 between Weymouth and Bridport was said to be 'just passable' between Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock.

Speaking yesterday, a police spokesman said: "It's awful out there. If you are driving please drive to the conditions. Slow down, increase your stopping distance and be aware of standing water on the roads."

This new bout of flooding came following several weeks of wild weather throughout the county. Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge all struck in quick succession.

The Echo previously reported that February 2020 was the second wettest on record for Weymouth, only beaten by February 1990. There were 145.3mms of rainfall that struck the town in February 2020, which is short of the 153.5mms that hit when the record was achieved 30 years ago.

The fire service warns drivers to be extremely cautious when approaching flood water. They advise that people do not drive through standing water, as this can not only cause water damage to a vehicle, but there may be other hidden dangers under the surface. There is also the risk of getting stuck.

Drivers of larger vehicles are asked not to drive through flood water, as this can flood nearby properties with the ensuing 'bow wave'.

If heavy rain makes visibility difficult, drivers should pull over. Motorists should also remain aware that roads will be slippery in wet weather.

Pedestrians should not attempt to walk through floodwater that is above knee level - not only could you be knocked over, but there may be hidden hazards such as manholes and trenches.

According to the Met Office forecast, we will have a break from the rain today. It will be cloudy with sunny spells.