Flood alerts have been put in place across Dorset.

Following a large amount of heavy rain since the New Year, river levels remain high on the River Wey, Preston Brook, and River Jordan due to the recent rainfall falling on catchments that are already saturated.

High groundwater levels continue to add further to river flow to these rivers and with the increased heavy rainfall today, flood alerts have been put in place.

The Environment Agency have warned people to ‘avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.’

They further encourage people to ‘plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.’

Borehole levels have started to rise once again, and the agency warn that groundwater levels will respond very quickly under the current very wet surface conditions.

Groundwater flood alerts have also been put in place for areas of Martinstown, Milborne St. Andrew, Nottington, Piddlehinton, Piddletrenthide, Upwey, Winterborne Abbas, Winterborne Kingston, Winterborne Steepleton, Winterborne Stickland, Winterborne Whitechurch, Winterborne Zelston, Bridport and Chideock.

People should ensure that ‘any property level resilience measures such as pumps, flood barriers and air brick covers are in good conditions and replace any stocks of sandbags.’

Motorists are also advised to ‘avoid driving through flood water as the bow wave from vehicles can damage nearby properties.’