PEOPLE are being advised to stay away from the coast this weekend as strong winds and heavy sweep through Dorset.

Flood warnings remain in place for several places in the west of the county, while strong winds have been buffeting the east.

The Met Office has issued warnings for wind covering the rest of Saturday and the early hours of Sunday morning. 

A number of roads were closed following heavy rain on Friday and early on Saturday. But the area escaped the worst of the storms that were buffeting the south west throughout Saturday.

However, flood warnings remain for Weymouth searont, Portland Harbour and Preston beach.

See more weather stories, pictures of the floods and advice in our weather section

Dorset County Council’s emergency planning and highways teams are working with a number of agencies to keep residents informed, roads open and facilities available if needed.

Simon Parker, the county council’s emergency planning officer, said: “We’re gearing up to make sure we are ready for this weekend’s weather. It’s also a reminder to residents to prepare, either by protecting their homes or checking travel advice before they start a journey.

“Earlier in the month we had drivers ignoring road closed signs and creating waves that flooded properties. If road users cannot avoid driving through water then take care and drive slowly.”

 

Bournemouth Echo:

 

Bournemouth Echo:

Mudeford Quay on Saturday morning. Pictures by Sally Adams.

 

Bournemouth Echo:

Iford Bridge on Saturday morning. Pictue by Sally Adams.

Christchurch Quay was flooded on Friday afternoon as was the A35 between Bakers Arms Roundabout and B3075 Morden Pk Corner at Slepe. The bottom of The Avenue at Branksome Chine was partially blocked due to flooding.

The B3065 Pinecliff Road in Poole was closed between the Beach Road junction and the Westminster Road junction, because of flooding, but was later re-opened.

Bournemouth Echo:

The bottom of The Avenue near Branksome Chine beach on Friday evening

The Environment Agency has said high winds and tides will bring an increased risk of coastal flooding along the Dorset coast this weekend.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Areas at risk on Saturday and Sunday include coasts and tidal areas of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire as gales and big waves combine to cause possible overtopping of flood defences and sea walls, property flooding and travel disruption.

Bournemouth Echo:

This picture was taken by Mike Ruddick at Christchurch Quay on Friday morning.

“At the same time the risk of river flooding continues as with the ground already saturated, rivers are very responsive to rainfall. Groundwater levels also remain high in southern counties.”

Kate Marks, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, said: “A low pressure system combining with high tides brings a risk of coastal flooding to many parts of England later this week and over the weekend. The risk is highest for south west England and the public should stay away from the coasts and tidal areas and not drive through flood water.

“At the same time the risk of river flooding continues for the southern counties as with the ground already saturated, rivers are very responsive to rainfall. Groundwater levels also remain high in southern counties.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture of Christchurch Quay by Echo photographer Jon Beal

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture of Christchurch Quay by Echo photographer Jon Beal

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture of Christchurch Quay by Echo photographer Jon Beal

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Mike Ruddick of Christchurch Quay on Friday morning

A spokesperson for the Met Office said about the weekend forecast: “A further area of heavy rain will spread eastwards across the UK on Friday, clearing the southeast of England during the early hours of Saturday. 20-30 mm of rain will fall quite widely, with around 40 mm on some high ground in the southwest of England and south Wales. The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong to gale force winds.

The public should be aware of possible disruption, primarily due to further flooding, chiefly in areas already, or recently, affected.”

Two fire crews from Christchurch were called to rescue a motorist who had become stuck in their car in floodwater on Derritt Lane on Friday lunchtime. The road remains submerged today.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Simon Rowley of the rescue at Derritt Lane in Bransgore

Uddens Drive, near Ferndown, is also closed due to flooding on the A31, with a vehicle stuck in the water.

The Met Office added: “Winds will increase on Saturday, with gusts widely to 50 to 60 mph, and perhaps to around 70 mph in exposed parts of the west and north.

“Additionally large waves could lead to over-topping along some coastlines.”

And just before 12.30pm today, the Met Office updated their warning to include ice.

The warning is valid from 11pm tonight until 11am on Saturday for areas across Dorset.