FLOOD warnings have been issued for parts of Dorset and New Forest as heavy rain has battered the area.
River levels have risen at the Ringwood Old Cottage and flooding to roads and farmland is possible, the environment agency warned.
The agency warned Ringwood and Christchurch were most at risk.
It said: “Further showery rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. River levels can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences.
“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded and refer to local authority website for local road closures.”
Elsewhere, a flood warning has also been issued for the River Piddle.
The environment agency said: “River levels are rising at the Briantspuddle river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall.
“Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible. Areas most at risk are tributaries between Alton Pancras and Wareham. Further showery rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours.”
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