Flooding is expected to hit parts of Dorset this afternoon. 

South Winterbourne Valley has been issued with a flood warning as groundwater levels have peaked near Kingston Russell.

According to the Environment Agency, some properties with basements and cellars may experience some flooding and it has encouraged residents to activate pumps, if they have not already done so.

Further rainfall is forecast for tomorrow, and groundwater levels are predicted to rise again during the week. 

The River Frome has been issued with a flood alert as water levels remain high. Consequently, flooding of roads, footpaths and farmland is possible today and for the next few days.

The Environment Agency suggests there is a possibility of overflowing tributaries between Dorchester and Wareham - though flooding of properties is not forecast at this point.

The River Piddle is also likely to overflow, with a possibility of flooding between Alton Pancras and Wareham.

The west Dorset coast has been issued with a flood alert amid a large tidal surge.

There is a possibility of flooding at West Bay, Bothenhampton, Freshwater, Burton Bradstock, Cogden, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, Chesil Beach, West Fleet, East Fleet and Chiswell.

High water is expected to peak at around 4pm this afternoon, but is likely to be high two hours before and two hours after this time.