Storm lashes county

8:29am Monday 10th March 2008

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STORMS battered Dorset today, with flood warnings in place along the county's coast.

Portland Coastguard said high tide at 8.34am in Weymouth, combined with storm force winds, could cause problems later into the day.

Flood warnings are in place for Weymouth harbour, West Bay, Preston Beach and Chiswell on Portland.

The warnings will be reviewed as weather conditions change and the Environment Agency is urging people to stay away from exposed coastal areas.

A Dorset police spokesman said the service had been busy overnight attending weather-related incidents.

He said: "We have had a number of trees down throughout the county which have caused some difficulties and may well do during the rush hour."

Trees were brought down in Westham Road, Mill Street and Manor Road in Weymouth, Great Western Road, Poundbury Road and Prince of Wales Road in Dorchester, Abbotsbury, Loders near Bridport, Portesham, Buckland Newton, Sherborne and Lytchett Matravers.

One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries after their car collided with a fallen tree in Old Sherborne Road in Cerne Abbas.

Forecasters say gusts could reach up to 80mph along coastal areas and severe flood warnings have been issued for whole of the Devon and Cornwall coast.

A coastguard spokesman said: "We would advise all mariners and visitors to the coast to be very wary over the next few days.

"The public are advised not to go wave-watching during these gales as the sea will become very rough, and affected coastal areas will become very dangerous."

Leisure mariners should not venture out on to the water at all, the spokesman added.

Richard Horrocks, Environment Agency flood risk manager, said: "The weather is a major influence on whether the tides will cause flood problems.

"We all know the power of the sea so our clear message is keep away from the coast during this event.

"At home, people can take simple measures and make a big difference. It is far too late to start thinking about it when water is lapping at your front door, so start preparing now."

Home and business owners in flood risk areas are advised to prepare sandbags, move valuables upstairs, move vehicles to higher ground and listen to weather bulletins.

For flood information call the Environment Agency on 0845 9881188.

n Today's weather forecast: Maximum temperature of 9 degrees with south westerly gales and gusts of up to 63 mph. Slightly higher wind gusts in Portland than Weymouth.

Weather will be drier for a time this morning but heavy showers will return to all parts through the day. Gales will veer westerly. Further showers or rain for a time tonight but most places will become drier with a few clear spells by morning.

Gale or severe-gale force westerly winds are expected to ease by morning.