Care should be taken in west Dorset after a heavy downpour overnight caused rivers to burst their banks.

Flood alerts remain in place today for west Dorset rivers and streams, covering rivers Lim, Char, Winniford, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride.

Footage from Bridport Town Council shows an overflowing River Brit this morning as the Environment Agency's alert was reinforced. 

Bredy Road in Burton Bradstock is currently impassable and, at the time of writing, a car and van sit submerged in floodwater waiting to be towed away. 

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The River Axe has burst its banks and there is flooding on the A358 Chard Road both ways around Weycroft Bridge. 

READ: People warned of flooding in Dorset following heavy rain 

On the Dorset/Somerset border, Church Street in Chard is closed northbound due to flooding from Maudlin Lane to the church. 

The River Axe and the surrounding area remains under a flood warning. The Environment Agency is encouraging residents to take action to protect themselves. 

Measures include: 

  • Move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so

  • Move family and pets to safety

  • Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings

  • Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water