Flooding Hits South West

The South West remains on flood alert with more heavy and persistent downfalls forecast to further dampen the summer season.

The Environment Agency has issued six flood warning for the region.

It comes as latest figures show damage caused by floods in Devon will cost at least £4M, with road repairs alone topping £3M.

Residents in Dorset are being warned of a further risk of flooding following last weekend's flash floods. With more heavy rain forecast in the next few days, and the ground already saturated, there are concerns some areas could flood again.

A Flood Warning has been issued by the Environment Agency for the Lower Frome from Dorchester to East Stoke. Flooding is expected for areas in Dorchester, West Stafford, Bockhampton, Lewell, Tincleton, Pallington, Waddock, Moreton, Wool and East Stoke over the next few days.

Residents are being warned to take precautions. More details can be found on theEnvironment Agency's website.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service has come to the aid of a woman in Loddiswell in South Hams. Crews found her sat on the roof of her car yesterday evening. It was stranded in two feet of rising flood water. They rescued her by boat and moved the vehicle to safety.

The A35 has been closed both ways due to flooding between the A37 / B3150 (Monkeys Jump Roundabout) and the A3066 Sea Road North / B3162 East Street (Mitsubishi Roundabout). Police are expecting long delays between Dorchester and Bridport. A diversion is in place.

There are fears the River Wey near Upwey in Weymouth could burst its banks this evening. The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the area including Church Street, Little Mead, Nottington Lane, Nottington Farm and Almas Palace.

The Environment Agency is warning residents to block doors with flood boards or sandbags and cover airbricks and other ventilation holes. Other safety precautions can be found on the agency's website.

The Yealmpton show, which was due to be held in Devon on 25th July, has been cancelled.

Organisers say the decision to cancel the 125th show was due to adverse weather conditions.

It's one of a number of horse trials and events in the region that have been cancelled because of this summer's washout weather, including Badminton and Gatcombe.

The Flood Warning for the River Sheppey at Shepton Mallet and Croscombe is no longer in force. The Environment Agency says no further flooding is currently expected in the area.

Devon County Council has revealed the cost of clearing up and repairing roads after the weekend's floods will be at least £4m. Today though it was Somerset's turn to suffer after a torrential downpour caused severe damage to homes and businesses. A school was also evacuated.

The Environment Agency is tonight keeping a close watch on villages near Shepton Mallet after they were hit. Richard Payne reports.

There are fears this afternoon that the River Sheppey in Somerset could burst its banks near to the village of Godney. Avon and Somerset Police are currently knocking on doors to alert people.

Flash floods left cars stranded and roads under water in and around Shepton Mallet earlier today. Around 30mm of rain, over half the monthly average for July, fell in an isolated area in less than fifteen minutes flooding the pub in Croscombe and nearby homes.