Aerial photos of Bridport show the impact of torrential rain and burst rivers from above.

West Dorset rivers burst their banks yesterday as heavy rain caused flash flooding.

Some businesses had to close, including Groves Garden Centre.

Transport in the area was also brought to a stand still as flooding had caused the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport to be temporarily closed.

Other flooded roads in communities such as Burton Bradstock and Chideock made large parts of West Dorset no go areas for cars, with water rising up to eight inches. 

Dorset Echo: Taken by drone, the dramatic pictures from Graham Hunt Photography show the impact of the area following the rising water levels.

The photos not only show the rising river levels but also the damage caused to Bridport Football Club’s pitch after two feet of water completely submerged the pitch at St Mary’s field on Skilling Road, with eight inches measured at the Beehive social club.  

Dorset Echo: These dramatic shots pictured the Ivy House All Day Kitchen and garden, also plunged under the water due to the flooding.

Dorset Echo: A flood alert was issued for the area. A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “River levels are high and rising on the River Lim, River Char, River Winniford, Simene River, River Brit, River Asker, River Mangerton and the River Bride due to the heavy rainfall today. Further rainfall is expected.

 “Flooding is forecast to affect all rivers in the West Dorset area. We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this warning if necessary.

Dorset Echo: “Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. People in this area should consider taking action now and install any property flood resilience measures. We urge all people to take care and not drive through flood water,” they added.

 

The Met Office is predicting light rain changing to overcast by the late morning of today, Tuesday, in Bridport, however heavy rain is predicted for Thursday, December 7. The weather looks to stay wet from then until Sunday, December 10.