People have been warned to stay away from the coast across Dorset on Saturday as a weather warning and flood alerts have been issued.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for rain today, with up to 60mm expected in some areas.

Wind gusts could also reach up to 55mph in some coastal areas.

The Environment Agency is also warning people to stay away from beaches and proms and coastal footpaths as Saturday night's tide is forecast to be higher than normal.

They have issued a number of alerts for the county, including both east and west coasts.

East coast of Dorset flood alert

The Saturday evening tide at 7.15pm is forecast to be higher than normal due to the unsettled stormy weather and may cause spray overtopping of the defences, an EA spokesperson said.

Bournemouth Echo: East coast of Dorset flood alertEast coast of Dorset flood alert (Image: Environment Agency)

"Heavy rain and force seven westerly winds are also forecast."

Flooding is possible at:

  • Castletown
  • Weymouth
  • Preston Beach
  • Swanage Bay
  • Studland Bay
  • Sandbanks
  • Poole Harbour
  • Bournemouth Beach
  • Hengistbury Head
  • Christchurch Harbour

Flooding could happen between 6.45pm and 8pm on Saturday night.

"We will continue to monitor the forecast and re-issue this alert if necessary. Stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray can be dangerous."

An update will be given at 1pm on Sunday or if the situation changes.

West coast of Dorset flood alert

An EA spokesperson said: "The large waves and the tidal surge will help to increase the water levels and the forecast high water is between 8pm and 9pm on November 26 with a total water level of 5.57m AOD at West Bay and a Force 7 westerley wind.

Bournemouth Echo: Flood alert for west coast of DorsetFlood alert for west coast of Dorset (Image: Environment Agency)

"All times are local and refer to the high water times at West Bay."

mAOD is height above average sea level.

"Flooding to roads and farmland is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide.

"We expect flooding to affect:

  • Lyme Regis
  • Charmouth
  • Seatown
  • West Bay
  • Bothenhampton
  • Burton Freshwater
  • Burton Bradstock
  • Cogdean Beach
  • Chesil Beach
  • West Fleet
  • East Fleet
  • Chiswell

"Please be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads."