RESIDENTS in south and west Dorset have been urged to take extra precautions ahead of expected flooding later this year.

The Environment Agency has issued advice to residents of coastal communities and in-land villages at risk of flooding as the winter season fast approaches.

Already this year, there have been a number of incidents of localised flooding in Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset especially at times of high tide, and authorities are taking measures to try and combat the possibility of more flooding as winter progresses.

But, the agency, which also issues flood alerts and warnings to help people prepare for the flooding, is urging residents and communities to start making plans now.

A spokesman for the agency said: “One of the first things you can do is check whether your home or business is at risk.

“If you are in an area prone to flooding the Agency strongly recommends you sign up to its free Flood Warning Direct service.

“All you need to register is provide the Agency with a telephone number it can contact you on.
“Homeowners and businesses in areas at risk of flooding are also urged to prepare flood plans.

“Help is available from local flood resilience teams who can provide advice and help you prepare a plan for your community.”

As reported in the Echo, there have been calls for flood defence work in Weymouth to be carried out due to the effect it has on the town centre and the businesses in the area.

A team of volunteer flood wardens are set operate over the winter months, helping vulnerable people prepare for flooding and helping them to react if their properties are submerged, and also monitoring water tables in the area.

Almost £2million has been spent to repair the flood defences along Chesil Beach and Preston Beach after they were decimated during the severe winter storms in 2013/2014.

The spokesman continued: “In some areas of Dorset the highest risk of flooding isn’t from rivers and streams, but groundwater.

“The Environment Agency recently identified areas most at risk of groundwater flooding and is working with communities and partners in a new campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to sign up to the Flood Warnings Direct service.

“Dorset’s coastal defences are now fully repaired and ready for the winter following major works at Preston Beach, Weymouth, and repairs to Chesil beach coastal defences have also finished.”

Further information about the flood risk in your area is available from the Environment Agency’s Floodline Warnings Direct (FWD) on 0845 988 1188.