A NUMBER of flood warnings remain in force across Dorset today following heavy rain and strong winds yesterday. 

The Environment Agency issued a series of flood warnings for Poole Harbour, Christchurch Harbourside, Lower Avon from Ringwood to Christchurch and Lower Hamworthy Quay which remain in force.

Bournemouth Echo:

A large tidal surge was expected to overtop sea defences as a result of high tides.

A flood warning was also issued for the Lower Avon at The Bridges and Stubbings Meadow in Ringwood.

The Environment Agency said: "River levels have risen at the Ringwood river gauge as a result of the ground being saturated and reacting to further rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible over the next 24 hours. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for The Bridges, Little Thatch, Watermead, Capberton, Three Bridges and Old Bridge Cottage, West Street, Avon Edge and Stubbings Meadow Caravan Park in Ringwood We expect river levels to remain high for at least 24 hours."

The Environment Agency is set to provide an update on the situation today.

Last night, Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Quay was also flooded with footage captured by Steve Hogan. 


Magna Road in Poole is reportedly blocked this morning due to flooding.

Around half a foot of water has also been reported on a stretch of Blandford Road in Hamworthy.

The Daily Echo has been told the road is "impassable" for bikes, cyclists and pedestrians. 

Elsewhere, part of the pavement in Westover Road in Bournemouth is cordoned off this morning following fallen debris.

Bournemouth Echo:

Part of the pavement is taped off outside the former Odeon cinema along with a section of on-road parking spaces. 

It is believed part of the hoarding came down in last night's strong winds. 

A tree brought down a wall outside the Russell Court Hotel also blocking part of Bath Road in Bournemouth last night. 

Bournemouth Echo:

The road is open this morning. 

Sopley School is closed today due to flooding in the lanes surrounding the school. 

A spokesperson said the school itself is not flooded. 

Morebus has said due to a fallen tree, the X2 service is unable to serve the Wheel and Ramley Road.

A spokesperson said the service will travel down Everton Road to Everton and the A337 to Lymington in both directions. 

Twitter-based forecaster Bournemouth & Poole Weather said more rain is expected this morning with some sunshine following this afternoon. 

More follows.