Sirens will sound on Portland next week when the Environment Agency tests the local flood warning system.

Chiswell is vulnerable to flooding during south westerly gales when waves surge up the beach and crash over coastal defences.

Three hi-tech sirens are used to alert local residents when there is risk of flooding. More than 90% of villagers are already signed up to the Agency’s Flood Warning Direct service that alerts people by phone, text or email when their community is threatened by flooding.

Flooding can occur extremely rapidly at Chiswell so the Agency uses sirens as an additional weapon in its flood defence arsenal to ensure residents are warned quickly and without delay.

‘If you look straight out to sea from Chiswell the first landfall is Brazil. This tremendous distance means huge swells can develop in the open ocean causing a massive increase in wave height and power during storms.

That is why it is so important to have an effective flood warning and defence system in Chiswell,’ said Nick Reed for the Environment Agency.

The sirens will be tested next Tuesday (September 10) at 11.00am, 3.00pm and 6.00pm. The purpose of the tests is to make sure the sirens are working properly and that local residents are familiar with the sound.

This is especially important for people who have recently moved into the village and aren’t aware of the flood sirens.

The tests will also be advertised on a series of interactive road signs at Wyke Regis, Victoria Square and next to the Portland Heights Hotel.

The Environment Agency is writing to residents in the flood risk zone warning them of the siren testing and will be putting up posters around the Isle of Portland.

The Agency’s display caravan will be located in the Lord Clyde car park, Chiswell, on Tuesday where staff will be available to provide advice on how to prepare for and cope with flooding.

The Agency is working closely with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to ensure there is a comprehensive emergency flood plan for Chiswell.

The flood sirens are normally tested twice a year before the spring and autumn equinox high tides.