Slow traffic has been reported on the A35 due to flooding.

Drivers are advised to expect delays due to flooding on the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport at the Compton Valence turn-off.

This follows a groundwater flooding warning for the South Winterbourne Valley.

Groundwater, as its name implies, is water that is stored below the ground.

The groundwater level measured at the Kingston Russell borehole - which is a narrow shaft bored into the ground vertically - has risen once more, although the rate of rise is reported to be slowing.

The level has been recorded at 121.36m above sea level, which is the highest ever at this location.

Groundwater levels at all sites in west Dorset remain very high.

The Environment Agency is warning that some roads will likely be flooded in the north and south Winterbourne, Hooke, Sydling, Cerne and Piddle valleys. 

Householders with pumps and other property-level resilience measures are advised to ensure that they are operating correctly and should make contingency plans against their failure.

Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flood water as this can put your life and that of emergency responders at risk. The bow wave from vehicles can damage adjacent properties.