PEOPLE are being advised to stay safe on the coast despite the county escaping the worst of the predicted storms yesterday.

Flood warnings remain in place for several area across the county, while strong winds have been buffeting the east.

A number of roads were closed following heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. But the area escaped the worst of the storms that were buffeting the south west throughout Saturday.

Flood warnings were put in place for Weymouth Seafront, Chiswell, Portland Beach Road and Preston Beach Road at high tide last night.

And while water levels were extemely high no flooding incidents were reported.

However, flood warnings remain in place for the Lower Frome from Dorchester to east Stoke including, West Stafford, Bockhampton, Lewell, Tincleton, Pallington, Waddock, Moreton, Wool and East Stoke.

South Winterborne Valley including Winterbourne Abbas, Winterbourne Steepleton, Martinstown or Winterbourne St Martin, Winterbourne Monkton, Winterbourne Herringston and Winterbourne Came.

Lower Frome from East Stoke to Wareham including Holmebridge, Stoborough, Stoborough Green, Wareham, Redcliffe, Ridge and Swineham.

And the West Stafford bypass remains closed in both directions between the Bockhampton Lane junction and the Highgate Lane junction, because of flooding.

Dorset County Council’s emergency planning and highways teams are working with a number of agencies to keep residents informed, roads open and facilities available if needed.

Simon Parker, the county council’s emergency planning officer, said: “We’re gearing up to make sure we are ready for this weekend’s weather. It’s also a reminder to residents to prepare, either by protecting their homes or checking travel advice before they start a journey.

“Earlier in the month we had drivers ignoring road closed signs and creating waves that flooded properties. If road users cannot avoid driving through water then take care and drive slowly.”