Storm Eunice is expected to hit Dorset this evening and into tomorrow (18th February).
Dorset Council has made the difficult decision to advise schools to close and has suspended many services on Friday as 100mph winds are predicted to hit the county from Thursday night into Friday morning and through to the evening.
To help keep yourselves and others safe, please consider the following:
- Secure loose items in your garden, such as trampolines and furniture covers.
- Consider whether you need to travel. If you don’t, it may be best to stay at home.
- If you do have to travel, take extra care. Drive to the conditions and watch out for debris on the roads.
- Spotted a tree down or another obstruction on the highway? Let us know using online.
- For the latest weather forecast, please see the Met Office.
Cllr Graham Carr Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community Safety and Emergency Planning, said: “The decision to suspend services has not been taken lightly and the priority is to prevent injury and loss of life. The council has taken heed of the warnings from the Met Office, and due to their predictions of extremely strong wind, we have taken the precautionary decisions to suspend services and advise all schools close and children stay at home. We have plans in place for scenarios such as this and we feel well prepared. Highways and arboricultural teams will be on stand-by throughout the weekend to deal with highways issues, fallen trees and debris on the roads.”
“Residents need to take precautions to make sure they safe and well until the storm passes.”
Residents are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary and take measures to stay safe and should not go to watch the sea in coastal or clifftop locations. There are specific flood warnings from the Environment Agency issued for Lyme Regis, West Bay, Chiswell and Ferrybridge, Preston Beach Road and Swanage Bay in terms of tidal surge flooding.
Emergency procedures are being put in place to keep homeless and rough sleepers safe, to make welfare checks to the vulnerable and for home care providers.
The Met office said disruption from “extremely strong” winds in Storm Eunice is scheduled between 3am and 9pm on Friday 18 February which may cause significant disruption including flying debris which could result in danger to life, falling branches and trees, damage to buildings and roofs, power lines brought down, road closures, disruption and cancellations to train, bus, ferry and planes in addition to beach material thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
Stay tuned to KeeP 106 for the latest on the roads, rail, weather and services on 106.3FM and at keep106.com
