Flood warning issued as homes and roads could flood after 'heavy rainfall'

Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Swanage on Saturday, December 5 after the river levels at Swan Brook have “risen rapidly”.

A number of roads across the town are at risk of flooding, including High Street, The Square, Commercial Road, Victoria Avenue and Church Hill. It comes after Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain until 11am in East Dorset.

Environment Agency say they are “closely monitoring the situation” and staff are checking flood defences and advising residents to install flood resilience equipment if they own it.

A spokesman for Environment Agency said: “River levels have risen rapidly as a result of heavy rainfall.

The area has been battered with heavy rainfall and people are being advised to expect flooding https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/18923365.flood-warning-issued-homes-roads-flood-heavy-rainfall/ Flood alert in Swanage has been issued. Picture: Environment Agency

“Consequently, flooding of property is imminent. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Victoria Avenue, Kings Road, Chestnut Mew, Church Hill, Springfield Road, Cornwall Road, Commercial Road, Station Road, Institute Road, The Square, Shore Rd, High Street and Parade in Swanage River levels can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences.

“Please can owners with property flood resilience equipment install it now. This message will be updated as the situation changes.”

A flood alert has been issued for Purbeck rivers and streams after the area was hit by heavy rain. Corfe Castle and surrounding areas are at risk.

Environment Agency has said: “River levels have risen at the Swanage King Georges Field Old Channel river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. We are closely monitoring the situation.”