The Environment Agency and Bournemouth Borough Council has urged communities living near the Dorset Stour to remain vigilant as flooding continues to affect the region.
The heavy rainfall over the weekend has had an impact on the River Stour which might lead to some localised flooding. The current high river levels could affect some low lying properties and homes at Redhill, Christchurch and Iford, including Wheatplot and Red Hill Home Parks, Stour Park Homes and the Iford Home Park site.
The Council is currently working with the Environment Agency to put in place appropriate contingency measures.
The Environment Agency is currently closely monitoring the rivers and will issue flood alerts or warnings if necessary. The Agency has been in touch with flood wardens at the home parks that could possibly at risk of flooding from Saturday.
People in the areas affected are urged to stay in a safe place, and be ready to take advice from emergency services.
Parts of East Devon and West Dorset have received between 75 mm and 120 mm of rain in the past 24 hours – more than a month’s worth of rain in one day. Environment Agency river gauges have recorded record levels at numerous locations including the River Otter at Ottery St Mary and River Bride at Burton Bradstock.
People are urged to stay away from dangerous flood water, and not to walk or drive through it.
The Environment Agency updates its flood guidance every 15 minutes on its website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx, and you can follow the Environment Agency on Twitter at @EnvAgencySW
Met Office weather forecasts and warnings can be found at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ and you can follow the Met Office on Twitter at @metoffice and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/metoffice
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