THRILL-seekers have been criticised for putting their lives at risk as torrential rain and high winds pounded the Dorset coast.

Wave watchers near Portland Bill were soaked when they got too close to the cliff edge, with some onlookers saying it was lucky they didn’t get dragged into the sea.

In the west of the county, daredevils were spotted scrambling on the cliff at West Bay above a rockfall.

Dorset was drenched over the weekend with as much as 7mm of rain falling in just 20 minutes in some parts.

The Met Office is forecasting more torrential rain today and tomorrow.

A spokesman for Portland Coastguard said people should think before putting themselves in potentially risky situations.

He added: “People do need to check the local weather news and use their own logic.

"Climbing is not advisable unless you are in an area where you know it is safe. You should be fully qualified, have the correct kit and be accompanied by someone else who is qualified.”

The warning comes after photographer James Loveridge saw two people climbing on the cliff at West Bay above an area of the cliff which fell last week.

Dorset Echo:

(Picture by James Loveridge)

Experts have warned that further rockfalls could take place due to the weather.

On Portland, resident Peter Staddon took a video as a huge wave crashed on people watching the stormy sea.

He said it was lucky no-one was hurt and added: “They could have been dragged out to sea.”

The video can be viewed at the top of this page.

Dozens of people also took to Facebook to comment that they were endangering their own lives and those of the emergency services.

who would have been called out if the worst had happened.

Richard Whitbread wrote: “Not only are they putting their lives at risk but also the men and women of the RNLI who have to rescue them."

Elsewhere, drivers were urged to take care as roads across the county were flooded.

Yesterday, Stoke Road in Mappowder was blocked in both directions when a lorry got stuck due to flooding.

The A35 was also affected at Stinsford and Monkey’s Jump roundabouts and at Winterbourne Abbas, where flooding caused queuing traffic.

Flooding was also reported on the West Stafford bypass. There were flood warnings on the River Frome at Maiden Newton and Dorchester yesterday after 25mm of rain fell in 24 hours.

Lesser flood alerts were in place on streams and rivers in West Dorset and Weymouth.

Downpours are expected to continue today.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Windy with further coastal gales for the start of the working week.

"There will be variable cloud amounts with scattered heavy, possibly thundery, showers and some brighter interludes. Maximum Temperature 12°C.”

Tomorrow is expected to be less windy with bright spells and scattered showers, which may be heavy at times.

Wednesday is expected to be mainly dry, although it will turn wet again in the evening.

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