RESIDENTS are being warned to prepare for more flooding and disruption this weekend with gales and heavy rain to hit today.

It comes after the Met Office issued amber alerts for wind and rain for Dorset through today until 6am on tomorrow. Severe weather along the coast with large waves six to eight metres high and strong winds could also lead to more coastal flooding especially in Dorset, say the Environment Agency.

They say some communities and defences are “vulnerable” after this week’s storms.

It comes after yesterday’s sunny day where despite the let up in rain, the weather related problems continued.

Various roads in and around Bournemouth and Poole were flooded from nearby rivers overflowing including the Avon Causeway and Stony Lane.

Sopley Primary School in Christchurch was also closed because all the access roads were flooded.

Paul Mustow, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: “With no let up of this severe weather, the Environment Agency continues to have teams out on the ground, who are working around the clock to protect homes and communities.

“We’re preparing for yet more heavy rain into the weekend, which is falling on already saturated ground following the wettest January on record. “We are also prepared for the risks of more coastal flooding.

"We urge people to stay safe and not to walk or drive through flood water which can be dangerous and to take care near coastal paths and promenades for fear of being swept away.”

Currently there are flood warnings along the lower River Stour at Longham, Throop and Redhill in Bournemouth and, working with the Environment Agency, Bournemouth Council duty response staff are continuing to monitor river levels.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Another band of rain, heavy at times, accompanied by coastal gales will affect southwest England early on Saturday, followed by frequent heavy and squally showers.

“The public should be prepared for disruption due to flooding.

“Another 10-20mm of rain and locally 30mm will fall in the Amber area, leading to further flooding.”

Severe Gales are also predicted for today around coastal areas ‘bringing gusts of 60-70 mph and isolated 80 mph at the most exposed locations.’ A further yellow warning has also been issued by the Met Office for Tuesday until 11.45pm.