A FLOOD warning has been imposed for West Dorset due to recent rainfall causing a rise in river levels.
Over the last few days, the Dorset coast has been hit by strong winds and prolonged rainfall, leading the Environment Agency to impose a flood warning for West Dorset Rivers and Streams.
River levels are forecast to rise at the Charmouth river gauge and could cause rising water levels at a number of West Dorset rivers including Lim, Char, Winniford, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride.
A spokesman for Environment Agency warned that flooding could possibly occur in farmlands and on some roads near rivers.
He said: "River levels are forecast to rise at the Charmouth river gauge as a result of expected rainfall in the early hours of Tuesday.
"Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible from 6am. Areas most at risk are the Rivers Lim, Char, Winniford, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride.
"Further rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. River levels can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded."
The Met Office has forecast more rain in the area, with a mixture of sunshine and rain shower until 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.
Environment Agency will issue an update on the flood alert later today (Tuesday, November 3).
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