SEVERE storms could hit Dorset tomorrow as forecasters warn the area could be battered by winds up to 80mph.

The storm could be the worst since the devastating hurricane of 1987, forecasters are warning.

Sailings from Weymouth to the Channel Islands scheduled for tomorrow and Monday have been cancelled by Condor Ferries.

There will also be no sailings from the islands to the mainland on both days.

Additional services are being run by the company's conventional ferry, the Commodore Clipper, on Sunday and the high-speed ferries on Tuesday.

The company is contacting passengers to rearrange sailing times.

The storm warning from the Met Office includes an amber warning for strong wind from the early hours of tomorrow morning with persistent, heavy rain potentially causing some surface water flooding.

 

They say this is likely to lead to 80mph winds carrying heavy rain and causing possible flooding.

Chaos could be brought to Dorset's roads tomorrow morning as a result of the super-storm, which will see Atlantic storms merging together and crossing the ocean.

Dorset Police is also advising communities to take care on the roads this weekend.

A spokesperson for he Met Office said: “A very intense low pressure system is forecast to run north-eastwards across the country early on Monday, bringing the potential for an exceptionally windy spell of weather for southern parts of the UK.

“At the same time, persistent, heavy rain could cause some surface water flooding.

“There is some continuing uncertainty in the timing, intensity and track of the low. However, the public should be prepared for the risk of falling trees as well as damage to buildings and other structures, bringing disruption to transport and power supplies.

“There is the potential for gusts of 60-80 mph quite widely and locally over 80 mph, especially on exposed coasts, both in south-westerly winds ahead of the low centre and west to north-westerly winds behind it.”

Regional insurer Cornish Mutual is advising South West residents to check their homes and gardens and secure loose items.

Many family homes may still have gardening and children’s play equipment left out from the summer months that could be vulnerable to high gusts with the potential to cause injury or damage to property if it is blown about.

Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, said: “We are advising people to check their homes and land for items on their buildings and outside which could be at risk from high winds.

“Doors and gates should be secure and any obvious hazards such as loose slates should be attended to where possible.

“Many family homes have play equipment such as trampolines in the garden which are especially vulnerable to high winds and can cause significant damage if blown around. We had a particular problem with trampolines a few years back and wish to avoid that if the storms hit as forecast.

“Our advice is to store play equipment indoors and if that is not possible to consult manufacturers’ advice on making it safe and secure.”

There were dramatic scenes across parts of Dorset on Tuesday night when thunderstorms swept across the county.

In severe high winds and heavy rain, motorists are advised: • Not to travel unless you have to • Keep your distance from other vehicles • Keep your speed down – sudden gusts of wind can blow you off course • Leave extra time to get to your destination • Show consideration for other motorists, especially when confronted with delays and/or blocked roads • When visibility is reduced switch on your headlights.

In the event of flooding, drivers are advised to: • Exercise caution when approaching standing water on the roads • Consideration should be given to the depth of the water • Do not take any risks driving through flood waters • If motorists decide to drive through shallow water, they are asked to do so slowly and to be aware of the effect of waves on other road users.

*Send us your pictures as Dorset is hit by the storm. Email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk or call 01305 830999.