Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice on what to do when travelling through areas affected by severe flooding.
People are being advised not to drive through standing water and stop your vehicle if you’re driving in heavy rain that restricts your view of the road.
A spokesperson said: “After heavy rain over the last few days and overnight, flooding is highly likely with a number of flood alerts and warnings in the surrounding areas.
“If you’re travelling through areas affected by flooding, please follow this important advice:
“Allow extra time to travel in case your route is blocked or affected by flooding.
“Don’t drive through standing water – Not only can the water damage your car, but there may also be hazards under the water that you can’t see, or it could be much deeper than you realise. If you see a road closure sign due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason. Don’t try to drive through, or you might get stuck.
“If you’re driving a larger vehicle, don’t drive through floodwater at speed, as it can create a ‘bow wave,’ which can cause flooding to nearby properties.
“If you break down in flooding, firefighters can only rescue you and anyone else in the vehicle. It’s your responsibility to arrange for vehicle recovery.
“When driving, if heavy rain makes visibility difficult, pull over if possible.
“Roads will be slippery in wet conditions, so drive with caution.
“Don’t walk through floodwater above knee level – The force of the water can knock you off your feet, and there are hidden dangers like open manholes, trenches, or debris you can’t see.”
