Flood alerts for west Dorset, River Axe and Dorchester

The Environment Agency has issued alerts for west Dorset rivers and the River Axe plus areas surrounding the River Frome and Weymouth.

West Dorset

River levels are forecast to rise on the River Lim, River Char, River Winniford, Simene River, River Brit, River Asker, River Mangerton, River Bride due to today's downpour.

Further rainfall is forecast throughout today.

River Axe

Up to 35mm of rainfall is forecast for some locations. River levels are forecast to rise in response. The highest levels are forecast tonight into Thursday morning. 

Flood alert area covers Rivers Axe, Coly, Yarty, Umborne Brook and coastal streams from Branscombe to Axmouth.

River Frome

Low lying land is expected to be most affected, particularly around tributaries between Dorchester and Wareham and between between Toller Whelme and Dorchester, where river levels are rising at the Hooke, Maiden Newton gauge.

Weymouth

River levels have risen and are forecast to rise further at the Broadwey river level gauge as a result of heavy rainfall this afternoon.

Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Wey, Preston Brook and River Jordan, and the Environment Agency warns flooding of roads and farmland is possible. 

Advice

Motorists are urged to plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.

Members of the public are warned against using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses while the alerts are in place. You should not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.