A FLOOD alert has been issued on Portland today.

The Environment Agency is warning residents to prepare for flooding at Chesil Beach and Chiswell amid high winds and large tidal surges forecast this evening.

Water at high tide is forecast to rise over two metres above average sea level and an amber alert is now in place for the west coast of Dorset, as well as Chesil Beach, West Fleet, East Fleet and Chiswell.

The Environment Agency said the surge is forecast at around 5:45pm today with a level of 2.59 metres above average sea level and a Force 7 south westerly wind.

Flooding may occur two hours either side of this time, including on local roads and nearby footpaths.

An alert has also been issued for Weymouth Harbour, also due to be affected by flooding at high tide this evening.

An EA spokesman said: "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads."