“LARGE and powerful waves” are expected in parts of Dorset today, the Environment Agency has warned, with people urged not to camp on beaches. 

A flood warning - meaning 'flooding is expected, immediate action required' has been issued for Poole Harbour at West Quay and Lower Hamworthy Quay as Storm Ellen sweeps in. 

The Environment Agency website says: "Large and powerful waves are expected as a result of high tides and strong winds."

High tide is due at Poole Harbour at 11.45am today.

The website continues: "Flooding to roads is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Lower Hamworthy and areas of Poole from Old Town, The Quay to Hunger Hill."

The Environment Agency said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences."

Elsewhere, flood alerts - meaning ‘flooding is possible, be prepared’ - have been issued for the east coast of Dorset and Christchurch Harbour. 

People are advised to be careful beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads.

The Environment Agency added: “Camping on beaches and exposed coastline will be extremely hazardous.”

The Environment Agency website says: “We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Castletown, Weymouth, Preston Beach, Swanage Bay, Studland Bay, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth Beach, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour Coastal conditions are expected to continue until after the high tides at midday on Friday.”

The Environment Agency said its incident response staff are operating tide gates and liaising with emergency services.

High tide is expected at 11.15am today.

For Christchurch Harbour, the Environment Agency says “flooding is possible” until midnight on Friday.

High tides are expected at 11.15am and 11pm today and winds are expected to be between force seven and eight.

A spokesperson said: “Flooding of properties is not forecast at this point. Continuing strong winds may cause additional wave overtopping throughout the day on Friday. We are closely monitoring the situation.”