Residents and businesses across Dorset are being urged to prepare as groundwater levels reach unprecedented highs across parts of the county.
Dorset Council and the Environment Agency say water levels have risen so far in some areas that gauge boards have been exceeded, with many households experiencing groundwater flooding for the first time and further rainfall forecast on already saturated ground.
Around 18,000 properties are considered at risk of groundwater flooding across the wider operational area, yet only about one in three eligible properties are registered to receive flood warnings, which can often be the first sign flooding is imminent.
Councillor Jon Andrews said groundwater flooding is difficult to manage, warning that measures such as sandbags are ineffective and stressing the importance of early preparation, vigilance around flood alerts, avoiding flooded roads and checking on vulnerable neighbours.
The Environment Agency said most groundwater flood warnings in the area are active, with flooding likely to persist longer than usual as water continues to rise through the ground even after rainfall has stopped.
Dorset Council said teams continue to support affected communities following evacuations linked to recent weather, while also urging drivers not to ignore road closures, which can worsen flooding and put properties and people at further risk.
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