The Met Office has issued a wind weather warning for Sunday 9 February and the Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the West coast of Dorset.
There will be very strong winds, with some rainfall from midnight Saturday night, throughout Sunday and possibly into Monday morning.
There are flood alerts for Lyme Regis, West Bay, Wareham and Chiswell. The highways team from Dorset Council and the Environment Agency will be monitoring Portland Beach Road during the day and may need to close the road if there’s a danger from flying pebbles and spray.
The forecast for winds on the coast is from gale force seven up to severe gale force ten. The wind will reach gusts of 60-75mph. Dorset Council are asking people to stay away from cliffs and be careful on beaches at high tide when there is a possibility of large waves.
High tide is from 6.45am and 6.45pm, but the effect of the weather may cause issues up to two hours either side of these times
Also see this these flood warnings for Preston Beach Road and Weymouth Harbour
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“We want residents and visitors to stay safe and well. With winds this strong there is a possibility of risk to life along the coast.”
Inland the wind is not expected to be as strong, up to 55mph, but this may cause some travel disruption falling trees and flying debris. Make sure garden furniture is secure. Trees may also take power lines down in places.
The prolonged spell of wet weather has led to ground being saturated, so the rain on Sunday may cause short term localised flooding. So, drivers should be aware of the weather conditions and check routes before starting their journey.
The weather warning is in place until midnight on Sunday, but the windy weather may continue into Monday.
Keep up to date with travel alerts on Twitter or online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/travel-dorset
The Environment Agency has issued the following bulletin:
Flooding is possible for: Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, West Bay, Bothenhampton, Burton Freshwater, Burton Bradstock, Cogdean Beach, Chesil Beach, West Fleet, East Fleet and Chiswell.
High tides and strong winds associated with Storm Ciara are affecting the area today (Sunday) and tomorrow. The following high tide times and 2 hours either side represent the times this Flood alert is valid;
• 9/2/20 at 19:15
• 10/2/20 at 07:15
• 10/2/20 at 22:00
High tide levels may prevent rivers from flowing to the sea and cause rivers to rise.
To check the latest information for your area
——————————————————-
* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/target-area/111WACWCD
* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 045312.
* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.
* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.
