Flood warnings as river levels climb

Although the rain has cleared away many roads are still underwater

People living near rivers across Dorset are being urged to prepare for flooding as river levels climb following heavy rainfall brought by Storm Bert.

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued warnings for areas including the Lower Dorset Frome, the River Stour, River Axe and Upper Frome.

There are currently 22 flood warnings in place.

Travel issues are set to continue with numerous roads still flooded and trains having to run at reduced speed on many lines.

The fire service has urged drivers if they see a sign to say the road is closed due to flooding remember the sign is there for a reason

The EA advised that if a flood warning was in place people should move their family and pets to a safe place and move vehicles to higher ground if it was safe to do so.

It also urged motorists to plan their driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers in case they flood.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said many roads were still affected by Sunday's heavy rain.

The fire service said: "Check your route before setting off. Don't drive through standing water - it may be a lot deeper than you think."

Despite its warnings, drivers from two vans and a car became stranded in floodwater on White Mill Bridge near Sturminster Marshall at about 07:30 GMT.

Firefighters rescued the car driver while a tractor towed the two vans to safety.

Fields near the River Stour at Fifehead Magdalen are underwater following heavy rain

Blandford Fire Station said the road running over the River Stour from Sturminster Marshall to Kingston Lacy estate was "impassable" and that motorists should not ignore the closure signs on both sides of the bridge.

On Sunday, a flock of 66 sheep was moved to safety by Sturminster Newton firefighters after the animals became trapped by floodwater.

The sheep were found stranded in a field at Fifehead Magdalen near the River Stour.

The fire service said crews had to pull two sheep from the rising waters with the others moved further along the riverbank.

Yellow warnings of wind and rain were in place across the south over the weekend, with dozens of events cancelled because of the weather conditions.

In Hampshire a man died after a tree fell on a car on the A34 near Winchester. Police have not confirmed if the incident was linked to Storm Bert.