TORRENTIAL rain has caused severe flooding in parts of Dorset - drivers are urged to take care and avoid certain roads.

These include Hamworthy, Slip Road from Fleetsbridge to Nuffield Industrial Estate, Braidley Road and St Stephens Road in Bournemouth.

It comes after the Met Office issued weather warnings for heavy rain across the south west of England. The warning remains in place until midnight tonight.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) has issued the following statement: "Due to exceptional rainfall we have seen severe flooding in certain parts of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. 

"Our teams have been on site since this morning to divert traffic and clear the affected routes.

"The majority of the network in Bournemouth and Christchurch is relatively clear. However our teams remain on site in areas most affected, such as Hamworthy, Slip Road from Fleetsbridge to Nuffield Industrial Estate,  Braidley Road and St Stephens Road in Bournemouth where the Council is working with Wessex Water to return conditions to normal. 

"We are asking people to avoid travel in these areas unless it’s essential and to allow extra time for journeys."