Torrential downpours and flooding delays Swanage commuters

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.

Advertisement 
Flooding in Winfrith Village
Purbeck Police

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.

Flood water creates a gully in a path
Lulworth Estate

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

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Child injured in dog attack at Swanage pub Police officers and the air ambulance were all called to help after a child was injured in an incident involving a dog in a pub garden in Swanage. 4 weeks ago Family win approval for controversial self build in Purbeck village 2 months ago Star Wars returns to Purbeck: The sequel! 1 month ago Historic Studland home goes on the market for £5 million 2 weeks ago Paddle steamer returns to Swanage after appeal keeps her afloat 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Swanage Pirate Festival welcomes record crowds to town Batten down the hatches - Swanage has been overrun by pirates again for a good natured festival, which has attracted hundreds of landlubbers into town. 12 hours ago Sun finally comes out for Swanage’s Big Help Out 1 day ago Bee friendly as swarming season suddenly arrives in Purbeck 2 days ago Second recent crash at Swanage church accident hotspot 3 days ago Green light given to request for 20mph limit in Langton Matravers 3 days ago