Flooding causes traffic chaos across Dorset

Flooding across Dorset has caused traffic chaos today, with many roads being closed.

Dorset Council issues a warning to drivers, highlighting multiple road closures across the county due to flooding and other maintenance works. Access to Poole and Bournemouth is also severely affected.

A spokesperson for the council said: “If you do need to travel, allow extra time for your journey; never attempt to drive through floodwater; and don’t ignore road closure signs – they are there for your safety.”

Flood warnings were also issued for parts of Dorset and Hampshire. Areas most at risk include The Bridges, Little Thatch, Watermead, Capberton, Three Bridges and Old Bridge Cottage, West Street, Avon Edge and Stubbings Meadow Caravan Park in Ringwood, as well as Bickerley, Ringwood and the B3347 from Christchurch to Stony Lane in Christchurch.

Further flooding is expected throughout the afternoon as river levels are high and forecast to rise further due to heavy rainfall.