A KEY route through Dorset has been closed in both directions by police following a crash and flooding today (Sunday, January 24).

The A35 Puddletown Bypass is currently shut between the junctions for A31 Shell Roundabout and B3150 Stinsford Hill.

Emergency services are at the scene as one witness described the A35 as being like an 'ice rink'.

It comes after parts of Dorset were hit by snow overnight following a weather warning for snow and ice by Met Office.

UPDATE - A35 reopens following serious crash which saw driver airlifted to hospital

Travel Dorset states: "A35 both ways closed due to serious accident and flooding between A31 (Shell Roundabout, Bere Regis) and B3150 Stinsford Hill (Stinsford Roundabout, Stinsford). In the roadworks area.

Dorset Echo: The A35 on Sunday morning after snow fell on the key Dorset route. Picture: Joanne PengellyThe A35 on Sunday morning after snow fell on the key Dorset route. Picture: Joanne Pengelly

"The road has been closed for safety purposes due following a serious accident and the road is now flooded."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said no one was injured. 

He said: "We received a report at 8.02am on a single-vehicle collision on the A35 Puddletown bypass at the Northbrook junction.

"There were no reports of any injuries, however there was debris reported on the carriageway.

"Officers attended and the highways authority was notified. The road was cleared and officers left the scene at about 10.30am."

Elsewhere in Dorset, the A37 between A356 Dorchester Road and Chetnole Staton turn off is 'impassible' after snow fell on the icy road.

Travel Dorset states several vehicles have left the road. 

We are following the latest traffic and weather news in a live blog, which can be found below.

SEE MORE - Traffic and weather latest as snow falls across county - live updates