FLOOD gates are being closed at Christchurch Harbour after an alert was issued over flooding.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon.

The agency says tides are expected to be higher than usual due to the forecast weather conditions during coming tides.

High water is expected at 8.30am on Thursday, February 8, and again at 9.30pm the same day.

Water levels are set to reach 1.53m and 1.34m above sea level respectively.

The Environment Agency said: “Weather conditions are expected to produce large onshore waves.

“We are expecting higher than normal tides over the next 3 days and as a result we may issue further alerts/warnings.

“Our incident response staff are closing flood gates and checking defences.

“We will continue to monitor levels closely.”

People have been urged to be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.

A yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the rest of the county.

The Met Office warning comes into force at 2am on Thursday morning.

It will be in place until 6am on Friday.

Between 15 and 25mm is expected, however, some areas could see as much as 35 to 45mm of rain, the Met Office said.