Flood warnings issued amid "persistent" heavy rain
People across Dorset and west Hampshire are urged to check their flood defences
People in parts of Dorset and Hampshire are keeping an eye on the weather and nearby rivers because of forecast heavy rain.
17 flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency in Dorset and west Hampshire.
Groundwater levels are rising in areas including the South Winterbourne Valley near Dorchester, the Piddle Valley and the River Winterborne near Sturminster Marshall.
The Environment Agency said groundwater levels were also rising at Rockbourne and Damerham in the Cranborne Chase near Fordingbridge.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for "persistent" rain" across Dorset, which is expected to be heavy at times.
Forecasters said the rain would begin on Wednesday evening, spreading east through Thursday.
The Met Office has said some disruption is expected, including flooding of a few homes and businesses, spray on the roads and increased journey times on public transport.