Storm Chandra: Dorset Council update on flooding and highway impacts

Dorset Council’s highways teams have been working round the clock to deal with the impacts of Storm Chandra, after heavy rain fell on already saturated ground.

Although the amber warning has now been lifted, a yellow warning for more rain is in place for Thursday (29 January). With river and groundwater levels still rising, flooding continues to affect several parts of the county.

Last night’s deluge fell onto land that was already holding as much water as it could. Some parts of our drainage network simply aren’t designed to cope with that much water at once, but they usually recover quickly once the rain eases.

Other areas are more difficult: where the ground is so saturated that the water sits above road level, it takes time for the wider river and groundwater system to drain before those areas clear.

Our crews are focused on the places where they can make the most difference - clearing drains, responding to reports from residents, and closing roads where needed to prevent people becoming trapped or pushing floodwater towards nearby properties.

Sandbags to help protect against flooding are also available at local community sandbag stores. You can find more information online.

You can find the latest information on current road closures via our live travel updates webpage.

Roads currently closed due to flooding (last updated 1:30pm)

• Top o’ Town Roundabout, Dorchester – southbound closed
• A35 from Organford Lane to A351 - Bakers Arms Roundabout
• A37 both ways from the A352 (Charminster) to Dorchester Road (Stratton)
• A37 – Loders Garage
• C12 – Loders
• Rectory Road
• A351 – Corfe Castle
• A356 between Frome Lane and the Wynford Eagle turn off
• B3092 (Red Lane – Sodom Lane)
• Winterbourne Monkton
• Stur Bridge
• A350 – Iwerne Minster
• A350 from Child Okeford turn off to The Street
• Valley Road, Tarrant Gunville
• Higher Charminster

Flooded but passable with caution

• A31 at B3073 Wimborne Road West (Canford Bottom Roundabout)
• Common Lane
• Blandford Road, Shillingstone
• McCreery Road, Sherborne

Traffic control in place

• A37 – Stratton.

The Environment Agency reports that the main coastal concerns have now passed. However, large rivers - particularly the Stour - may continue to rise for up to three days after heavy rainfall. This means further flooding remains possible downstream, and we are monitoring conditions closely with partner agencies. Dorset Council continues to work closely with the Environment Agency, emergency services and other partners to coordinate the response and support affected communities.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“Our crews are battling the areas where they can make a difference, but some flooding simply can’t be engineered away when the ground is already saturated and water is above road level. Please follow road closures, avoid driving through floodwater, and take extra care. We’ll continue to keep people updated as the situation develops.”

Further updates will be shared on the Dorset Council website and social media channels.