Drivers are being advised to avoid the A303 in Somerset if possible as a stretch of carriageway has been closed by flood water.

The westbound carriageway of the A303 is closed between the A37 (Illchester) and A3088 (Yeovil) and is expected to remain shut for some time.

National Highways Duty Operations Manager for the South West, Beverley Mears, said: "We have had heavy rain falling on already saturated ground which has seen the nearby waterway burst its banks, flooding nearby fields and washing onto our road. More rain is predicted today and over the weekend which will exasperate the situation.

"We are looking into any possible solutions to alleviate the problem but in the meantime we would urge drivers to avoid the area if possible and, if not, to allow extra time for their journeys.

"Surrounding roads are also experiencing flooding which has impacted our official diversion route for this area. We would therefore advise drivers diverted off the A303 to head towards Shepton Mallet and pick up the main roads there."