RESIDENTS have been urged to prepare for possible flooding in areas of Poole, Christchurch and Purbeck on Tuesday.

Flood alerts have been issued for Christchurch Harbour and sections of the Dorset coast at Poole Harbour.

This guidance has been made to cover a period from shortly after midnight until early afternoon on Tuesday.

People have been advised to be careful at beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads. 

The alert for the Christchurch area, which was posted shortly before 2.30pm, says: "We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon.

Bournemouth Echo: Flood warning service's alert for Christchurch HarbourFlood warning service's alert for Christchurch Harbour

"Low pressure will cause sea levels to be higher than forecast in tide tables during this period of high Spring tides. First forecast high water is 12.30am on Tuesday, October 20, with a level of 1.27 mAOD and a Force 6 South wind.

"Second forecast high water is 12.45pm on Tuesday, October 20, with a level of 1.33 mAOD and a Force 6 South South West wind. All times are local and refer to the high water time at Christchurch, mAOD is height above average sea level for more detail refer to local tide tables.

"Flooding to low lying land and paths is possible at these times, however conditions may apply for two hours either side of the high tide. This message will be updated on Tuesday afternoon or if the situation changes. We are closely monitoring the situation."

Meanwhile for Poole Harbour, the government's flood warning service says: "We believe there is a possibility of flooding for Poole Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Frome and River Piddle at Wareham.

Bournemouth Echo: Flood warning service's alert for Poole HarbourFlood warning service's alert for Poole Harbour

"Low pressure will cause sea levels to be higher than forecast in tide tables during these high spring tides. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads.

"The times of high water covered by this flood alert are: Wareham Tuesday, October 20, 12.45am and 1.15 pm. Winds are forecast to be South Force 6 on both high waters. Poole Harbour Tuesday, October 20, 12.01am and 12.30pm. Winds are forecast to be South Force 5 and South South West Force 5 respectively."