DORSET is bracing itself for severe flooding tomorrow morning as the Environment Agency has issued warnings at 10 locations.

Police and partner agencies are advising communities to prepare for the high winds and heavy rain across Dorset, with the risk of severe flooding in some areas from tonight through to Sunday January 5.

This is a multi-agency operation and follows monitoring of river and sea levels over the last 24 hour period, the weather forecast indicating further severe weather together with predicted high tides. 

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for the River Stour in Bournemouth and Christchurch as well as Poole Harbour at West Quay and Lower Hamworthy Quay.

Iford Bridge Home Park was evacuated earlier today for the second time in eight days due to the rising water levels.

Residents at the Beaulieu Garden Park Home Site were also advised to evacuate by East Dorset District Council.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “Residents are strongly advised not to return to these sites under any circumstances until they have been told that it is safe to do so.”

Heavy flooding is also predicted at Christchurch Harbour Side and Stour Park Homes.

Farms at Sturminster Marshall, shops in Wimborne, Mill Street in Corfe Mullen, Bridge House Hotel in Ferndown, Brecon Close, Ringwood Road, Throop Road in Bournemouth and Barrack Road in Christchurch were also placed on alert.

Areas of Wareham, Dorchester and Lower Blandford St Mary have also been issued with flood warnings.

The South West looks set to bear the brunt of the storm with flood warnings being put in place at more than 50 locations.

The Environment Agency is working with professional partners to respond to a rapidly changing picture across the South West.

Recent heavy rain, saturated ground and high river levels mean there is a continued risk of river and surface water flooding across the country as unsettled conditions are forecast to continue.

Emma Baker, South West Flood Executive at the Environment Agency, said: “We are expecting coastal flooding from the early hours of Friday and into the weekend. We’d ask everyone to keep themselves informed about the latest situation by listening to local radio and visiting the Environment Agency’s website and to keep themselves safe by keeping away from seafronts and resisting the urge to wave watch.

“The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely, working alongside partners including the Met Office and local authorities. Environment Agency teams are out on the ground making sure that flood defences are in good working order, monitoring sea levels and preparing to issue flood alerts and warnings.”