Multiple flood alerts issued across Dorset

Dorset was experienced a wet week, including more rain which fell overnight, and has caused high river levels and groundwater across parts of the county.

Due to the wet and unsettled weather, six flood alerts which state “flooding is possible (and) be prepared”, have been issued by Environment Agency across Dorset.

These areas include parts of Weymouth, Dorchester, Blandford Forum, Bere Regis, east coast of Dorset as well as a number of West Dorset towns and parishes, including Beaminster, Winterbourne Abbas and Cerne Abbas.

A flood alert for the South East Somerset Rivers in Yeovil also covers the Sherborne area and rural parishes. Flood alerts for the River Piddle and the Lower Avon also warn of possible flooding in East Dorset and along the Dorset-Hampshire border.

Multiple flood alerts are in force around Dorset. Picture: Environment Agency

The multiple flood alerts warn residents to “continue to use any property flood resilience equipment installed” and “avoid using low lying paths and bridges over local watercourses.”

Under its warning for West Coast of Dorset, Environment Agency states that while groundwater levels have fallen, they are expected to raise again in the coming days.

A spokesman for Environment Agency said: “Groundwater levels in West Dorset have been receding following the dry, cold weather we experienced last week.

“With recent rainfall and further rainfall forecast over the coming week, we expect groundwater levels to begin to rise again.

“Pumping equipment and property-level protection measures should be set out where available. Environment Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation and will update this message on Wednesday, February 24 or sooner if the situation changes.”