Flood alerts have been issued for areas of Dorset with the recent downpour set to continue into tonight.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for rain which started Sunday evening and through to Tuesday morning. Now flooding has been forecast for west Dorset rivers and streams.

Dorset Echo:

Earlier today the westbound section of the A37, between Bradford Peverell and Grimstone, has been closed due to flooding.

READ MORE: A37 westbound between Bradford Peverell and Grimstone closed

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Periods of rain are expected to become persistent and at times heavy across parts of southern England and south Wales late Sunday, lasting through Monday, before clearing early Tuesday.

"For the area across southern England, 25-50 mm of rain will fall widely, but the highest rainfall totals are likely to be across the higher ground of Sussex and Dorset, where locally 50-80 mm of rain may fall.

"Across Dartmoor, especially south-facing high ground, totals may locally exceed 150 mm.

"For the area across south Wales, 35-50 mm of rain may fall widely, with 70-90 mm possible over south-facing high ground."

It is expected to rain throughout most of Sunday and Monday, with temperatures warming up to 13C on Monday.

The Environment Agency said the risk of flooding across the county rises from very low to low on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, before dropping back to very low again on Wednesday.

Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Lim, River Char, River Winniford, Simene River, River Brit, River Asker, River Mangerton, River Bride, withlow-lyingg land expected to be most affected. River levels are rising at Beaminster, Burton Bradstock, Charmouth, Chideock, Jessops Avenue, Netherbury, Powerstock and Uplyme The Glebelands gauge. We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary.

An Environment Agency spokesperson continued: “Further rainfall is forecast over the next 6 hours. River levels can rise very quickly in response to rainfall. Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

“We urge all people to take care and not drive through flood water.”