Flood Warning Issued for Devils Brook in Dorset Due to High Groundwater Levels

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for groundwater flooding along the Devils Brook. This alert covers the Wessex area under the jurisdiction of the Dorset Council.

Affected Areas

The primary areas affected by this warning include Dewlish and Chesilbourne in West Dorset.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are advised to take the following actions:

• Prepare and implement property resilience measures immediately.
• Ensure that any installed flood pumps are functional and switched on.
• Arrange for alternative power sources in the event of power cuts to keep pumps operational.
• Be aware that septic tanks and sewer systems may become inundated.
• Exercise extreme caution when driving, as flooding of local roads is expected.

Expected Conditions

Groundwater levels in West Dorset remain high despite a slow decline. The Doles Ash borehole currently records a level of 121.60m. While levels are beginning to fall, they remain highly reactive to any additional rainfall. Residents may experience flooding in cellars and inundation of local infrastructure. The forecast for the week is dry, though showers are possible over the weekend.

Timeline

The warning was officially raised at 10:53 AM on March 3, 2026. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation and expects to provide an update by 11:15 AM on March 10, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.