Unseasonal heavy rain caused roads and roundabouts on the route out of Purbeck to flood, causing frustration for those heading to work.
Overnight from Sunday 11th through to Monday 12th July 2021, the heavens opened and while Swanage roads were mainly unaffected, more built up areas heading out of town were caught out by the flash flooding.
Flooding in Winfrith Village
Caught by the deluge
The centre of Wareham was caught by the deluge with many shops and restaurants affected. The Co-op in North Street was closed for the morning, as was The Granary Restaurant by Wareham Quay.
The flash flooding caused queues of traffic along the A351 Wareham Road heading through Sandford.
The path to Durdle Door in Lulworth
“Be extra vigilant at cliff edges”
Over at Lulworth, heavy rain turned paths into rivers. Lulworth Estate said:
“After some very heavy and persistent rain overnight, there has been some severe gullying and erosion on the track to Durdle Door. Emergency repair work is soon to be carried out which will mean the path will be temporarily closed at some stage today.
“As we are surveying the rest of the site to see what damage has occurred, we ask all visitors to be extra vigilant at cliff edges and bases at this time. Thank you.”
Knee deep in flood water
However the most dramatic scenes were on the main roads towards Poole. The Baker’s Arms roundabout on the A35 near Lytchett Minster and the Fleetsbridge roundabout near the Tesco, were knee deep in flood water making driving dangerous.
The weather is forecast to improve from Tuesday 13th July 2021 with the temperature expected to hit the low 20s in Swanage, accompanied by blue sky and sunshine.
Watch Baker’s Arms video
Baker’s Arms roundabout near Lytchett Minster on the morning of Monday 12th July 2021 – filming by Freddie Harding
Watch Fleetsbridge video
This film is by Roxy Sheppard at the Fleetsbridge roundabout near Tesco on Monday 12th July 2021
