THERE are five flood warnings still in place today for the county of Dorset.

The Environment Agency says flooding is expected with immediate action required along the Lower Avon from Ringwood to Christchurch, with river levels rising at the Ringwood Old Cottage river gauge as a result of the recent heavy rainfall and the ground being saturated.

"Flooding of properties, roads and farmland is expected," said the EA.

"Areas most at risk are Bickerley, Ringwood and the B3347 from Christchurch to Stony Lane in Christchurch. River levels can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall. River and groundwater levels in this area can be expected to remain high for several days."

The agency says its staff are closely monitoring the situation and checking defences. The agency is advising people to avoid using bridges over local watercourses owners with property flood resilience equipment to install it now.

People in the area of the Lower Frome from East Stoke to Wareham face a similar situation.

The EA said: "River levels remain high but are beginning to fall at the Stinsford river gauge as a result of recent heavy rainfall. Consequently, the risk of flooding remains. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for areas in East Stoke, Holmebridge, Stoborough, Stoborough Green, Wareham, Redcliffe, Ridge and Swineham.

"Further showery rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. We expect river levels to remain high over the next few days. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

There are further warnings for Preston beach in the west of the county and the South Winterbourne Valley.