River Frome flooded north of Dorchester - aerial photos

Residents in the village of Stratton, north-west of Dorchester along the A37, woke up to see nearby fields flooded after a period of heavy rain saw the river drastically rise.

The dramatic pictures from Graham Hunt Photography, taken with the use of a drone, shows fields in the area submerged.

A spokesperson from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “River levels are high and rising on the Upper River Frome at Maiden Newton due to the heavy rainfall.

“Flooding is forecast to affect locations on the River Frome from Maiden Newton to Dorchester. Areas in Higher Frome Vauchurch, Frome Vauchurch, Cruxton, Notton. Frampton, Grimstone, Muckleford, Stratton, Bradford Peverell, Wrackleford, Charminster, Frome Whitfield, Wolfeton, Lower Burton and Cokers Frome are at risk. 

“We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this warning if necessary. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. People in this area should take action now.”

This comes after a yellow rain warning issued for today, Monday December 4, and tomorrow Tuesday, December 5.

With this warning there is a possibility for a few homes and businesses to be flooded, whilst commuters can expect journey times to take longer due to the spray and flooding on the roads.

The Met Office has advised people that it is not safe to drive, walk or swim through floodwater.

They warned people that if they must drive they should slow down, use the main roads, dipped headlights.

Further advice includes giving more time to react to the slippery surfaces and to keep a bigger gap between vehicles.

Despite the flooding to the fields, it looks as though businesses are remaining open. The Saxon Arms pub confirmed that it had no plans to close, despite the depth of water affecting the area.