EXTREME flooding hit Christchurch and Poole yesterday as parts of Dorset were battered by heavy rain and high winds.

Weather warnings were put in place across the coastline with gusts reaching 60mph in some places and waves overtopping harbour walls, flooding pathways and quays.

High spring tides were to blame for the River Stour at Christchurch breaking its banks, flooding the quayside and Quomps and leading to businesses and residents sandbagging and taking extra precautions to protect their homes.

The Environment Agency shut down the flood gates across the borough as the downpours continued across the area.

Access to Christchurch Quay was completely cut off as the water levels peaked and gradually began to subside throughout the morning.

Residents of properties on the Quay said the flooding was the worst they have seen in many years.

Martin George, whose house was protected by Environment Agency flood gates and a high wall, said: “I’ve lived here for seven years and this is only the second time they have locked the gates. It’s quite spectacular but I hope it doesn’t get any higher.”

Rosemary Green from Christchurch said: “I’ve lived in Christchurch forever and I definitely wasn’t expecting to see that.”

Jan Shaw, owner of The Old Mill Tearooms said: “I’ve seen it a lot worse – up to the bandstand before – but we’re still taking precautions.

“I’m putting out sandbags. We’ve got a bit of damage but nothing too extreme.”

Brenda Shelley, who lives in Quay Cottage, said their property hadn’t flooded in nearly 100 years but they had boarded up the front step just in case.

“I was beginning to feel quite worried but my husband said it would be okay. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it though for a very long time. I’ve been here for 17years.

“The last time this house flooded was in 1913 so we are well prepared but it’s still a bit of a shock.”

Rich Slade, bar manager at The Boathouse said: “It would need to get a metre-and-a-half higher to shut us but it does look pretty good.

“We’re open as usual and have our flood defences in place.”

At Mudeford Quay the high water levels flooded the car park in the morning with pedestrians buffeted by rain, wind and waves.

Staff at the Haven Cafe said it had been worse earlier in the day but had never been any cause for alarm.

Steve Woolard, coastal engineering team leader at Christchurch Borough Council said: “We will need to wait a couple of hours after high tide for the water to subside. The flood gates are closed and I do have to admit it does look incredible at Christchurch Quay.

“We are urging people to be sensible during these high spring tides and not to take risks in flooded areas.

“The wet front is moving out of the way from the afternoon but because the winds have been strong, it does impact the overtopping.”

Poole

Poole residents were virtually marooned in their cul-de-sac as flood water rose in Sandbanks Road during yesterday's gale force weather.

Eighty residents of Wedgewood Drive either had to wade through water up to nine inches deep yesterday morning or stay indoors until the water receded.

“We are marooned,” said resident Bob Lister. “There are around 80 people in Wedgewood Drive who can't get out.

He said: “This is the worst flooding I have ever seen in Sandbanks Road. It is absolutely awful.

“It's got to be a good eight to nine inches deep. It's right across the road. I have never seen it up so far at Wedgewood Drive, ever.”

Borough of Poole said the road was passable with care and had not closed it to traffic. Elsewhere with high tide peaking at around 9.30am and the effects of the relentless rain and strong winds, there was flooding at Sterte Avenue/Holes Bay where the council had a gully machine operating to deal with the standing water.

Strong winds and heavy seas forced Condor Ferries to cancel its 11am fast ferry service from Poole to the Channel Islands.

However Brittany Ferries freight carrier the Cotentin braved the conditions and was due to sail on time from Poole to Cherbourg later in the day.

See our coverage of the flooding as it happened here

Purbeck

Coastguard officers and police sealed off sections of Swanage seafront yesterday as powerful waves battered the town.

The sea at Swanage Bay rose more than a metre higher than normal for this time of year, as strong winds combined with high tides to create a powerful storm surge.

Huge waves crashed over The Square and Lower High Street, peaking at around 9am but staying strong throughout the morning. Emergency services closed the slipway, from The Mowlem Theatre to Lower High Street, as a safety precaution.

Meanwhile, parts of Lower High Street became impassable to traffic as seawater flooded the area. When it dispersed around mid-morning, council workers were left to remove piles of debris that had washed across the highway.

Swanage Coastguard station officer Ian Brown told the Daily Echo his team were remaining on alert for the next 48 hours, as the stormy weather is forecast into the weekend.

He also urged the scores of onlookers who’ve been drawn to the driving seas to keep their distance. “It doesn’t take much water to knock you off your feet,” he warned.

“You can be bowled over quite quickly if you are too close.

“I know it is an attraction but people should just observe from a distance because if they get hit by a large wave they could be dragged into the water, putting emergency services under unnecessary pressure.”

See all our pictures of the flooding in our gallery here