Residents near the River Brit are being told to "act now" with flooding expected as a result of heavy rain over the next 24 hours.

The Environment Agency issued a flood warning just after 4pm on Sunday, December 18 and warned river levels are expected to rise.

They said properties near Southgate and Beaminster were likely to be affected and that "flooding is expected".

Issuing the warning, the Environment Agency said: "Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Brit, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around properties in Southgate and Newtown in Beaminster.

"River levels are expected to remain high until 19/12/2022. Further rainfall is forecast overnight."

Dorset Echo: The area impacted by the flood warning.The area impacted by the flood warning. (Image: Environment Agency)

In issuing a flood warning, the Environment Agency told residents to "act now" and advised them to turn off gas, water and electricity; move things upstairs or to safety; and move family, pets and car to safety.

They added: "A flood warning means you need to act: flooding is expected."

A lower level flood alert - meaning flooding is 'possible' - has been issued for locations near the River Lim, River Char, River Winniford, Simene River, River Brit, River Asker, River Mangerton, River Bride, with low lying land expected to be most affected