MORE weather misery is set to sweep across Dorset on Friday and Saturday with wind and rain warnings issued across the county.

After more storms earlier this week, the Met Office has issued amber and yellow rain and wind warnings for Friday and Saturday.

Check out our February 2014 storm pictures here

The amber rain warning lasts from 6am until 2pm on Friday covering Dorset with a yellow warning for Bournemouth and Poole in place from 4am on Friday until 6am on Saturday.

The amber wind warning is in place from 6pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday.

A spokesperson said about the amber rain warning: “A spell of heavy rain is expected to affect much of Cornwall, south and east Devon, along with parts of Somerset and Dorset during Friday morning, clearing to the east during the afternoon. 15-25 mm of rain will fall widely within the Amber warning area with 40 mm possible in a few places.

“The public should be prepared for further disruption due to both surface water and river flooding.

“This warning should be viewed alongside the wider yellow warning.”

Regarding the wind warning, a spokesperson said: “A further period of very strong winds is possible across southern and southeastern counties of England from Friday afternoon, overnight into Saturday morning.

"Gusts of 70 mph are likely in the Amber warning area with isolated 80 mph gusts possible along most exposed parts of the south coast. Winds will ease from the west during Saturday morning.

The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel as well as trees being uprooted and perhaps damage to buildings.

"The very strong winds will be accompanied by large waves along the south coast and the public should also be aware of these potentially dangerous conditions and also the possibility of coastal flooding.

"This warning accompanies a larger yellow warning and has been issued as there is now more confidence in the evolution of the system leading to a medium risk of significant impacts.

"Yet another storm has developed to the west of the Azores. It will run northeastwards across western and northern parts of the UK during Friday and into Saturday, before clearing to the northeast.

"Around the southern flank of this storm very strong southerly or southwesterly winds are expected to develop, primarily affecting southern and southeastern counties of England.

"There remains some uncertainty in the track and timings of this system but gusts of 60-70 mph are possible with perhaps 80 mph along most exposed parts of the south coast.

"With these strong winds some large waves are also likely along the south coast and there is the potential for some coastal flooding where this coincides with high tides."

Residents have been urged to avoid steps leading from Alum Chine to West Overcliff Drive due to a fallen tree and the Avon Causeway was also closed due to flooding.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "For the Dorset coastline there is a HIGH flood risk on Friday and Saturday due to a combination of large waves, high tides and gale force onshore winds.

"Elsewhere along most of the south coast of England, there is a LOW flood risk from coastal flooding on Friday and Saturday.

"Impacts are likely to include spray and wave over-topping in localised areas, with the risk to life and the further degradation of natural sea defences in Dorset. 

"There is also a LOW groundwater flood risk in Dorset and much of south-east England through the next three days, increasing to MEDIUM flood risk on Friday onwards in Dorset."

 

Get the latest forecast here 

Tonight, Dorset County Council has issued the following information:

Residents are being warned to prepare for more heavy rain and strong winds this weekend, with coastal areas particularly at risks. 

Gale force winds and large waves are set to batter the Dorset coastline overnight Friday and into Saturday, and the Chiswell area of Portland is again facing the prospect of flooding.

The latest band of extreme weather will hit the south west tomorrow (Friday, February 14).

And Dorset County Council is working with partners including the Environment Agency, district and borough councils, the NHS, Highways Agency and the emergency services to prepare for the possible impacts on local communities.

Waves up to ten metres high are set to crash onto beaches, promenades and coastal paths at high tide, which could put lives at risk if people get too close.

Residents in Chiswell are being contacted directly about the possibility of flooding, and the Portland Heights Hotel is again being stood up as an emergency rest centre if people there need to evacuate their homes.

Portland Beach Road and Preston Beach Road in Weymouth will be closely monitored by the county council’s highways team in case flooding forces temporary closures tomorrow night.

Further inland, ground water and surface water issues will again be an issue due to heavy downpours. Motorists are advised to take extra care and check Travel Dorset.com for regular updates.

Simon Parker, the county council’s emergency planning officer, said: “We’re preparing for another onslaught of weather this weekend. People should expect their day to be different, and act accordingly.

“We have rest centres on standby in case we need to evacuate people from their homes. Residents should prepare for flooding in the affected areas and remember to bring any prescription medication with them if they are evacuated.

“Drivers need to check their routes and give themselves more time. If road users cannot avoid driving through water then take care and drive slowly to avoid damaging vehicles and creating waves that flood nearby properties.”

For advice and guidance on floods and flooding visit www.dorsetforyou.com/travel-dorset/severe-weather

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