• Check out our picture gallery of Storm Ciara photos here.

STORM Ciara is powering its way across the county causing power cuts, fallen trees and delays on roads and rail.

Around 700 homes in the DT6 postcode area are currently without power.

A resident of Uploders said that power went off at about 11.30.

Fallen trees are blocking roads, including Westleaze - between Dorchester and Charminster - where a tree has fallen close to The Sun Inn.

The A37 was blocked earlier due to a fallen tree at end of the dual carriageway on the Stratton side of Charminster. 

Dorset Echo:

  • A tree has fallen down near The Sun Inn, Lower Burton Picture: DWFRS

And the A352 is blocked both ways between the turn-off for Winterborne Came and the road leading to Whitcombe. There are reports of heavy traffic in the area.

Firefighters were called to Dorset County Hospital after the storm caused damage to a roof. 

Dorset Echo:

  • The storm has damaged a building at DCH                 Picture: DORCHESTER FIRE STATION

Strong winds and rain hit the county this morning, which forecasters say could cause damage to buildings and major travel disruption.

There is a speed restriction currently in force on the region's railways.

A South Western Railways spokesman said: "High winds and rain showers have been forecast for our network
"On Sunday, February 9 a 50mph speed restriction will be in place across our network between 10am and 7pm.
"We strongly advise you to check before you travel."

The Met Office is also warning of further possible power cuts and a risk to life from large waves in coastal areas.

High tides and strong winds associated with the storm have been affecting the area since this morning.

Consequently, flooding is possible for the duration of the strong winds along the whole of the west Dorset coast but particularly focused at Lyme Regis, West Bay and Chiswell.  

The flood alert is in place for high tide today at 6.45am and 7pm and on Monday at 7.15am and 10pm as well as the two hours either side.

Weymouth Habour is on flood alert, while Preston Beach has been issued with a flood warning and can expect sea spray overtopping defences carrying shingle from the beach. 

Flooding is possible at this location for two hours before and after high tide times of 8pm tonight and 7.15am and 8.45pm on Monday.

The highways team from Dorset Council and the Environment Agency say they will be monitoring Portland Beach Road during the day and may need to close the road if there’s a danger from flying pebbles and spray.

The Environment Agency says it is closely monitoring the situation, and has warned the public to be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads.

The Met Office has issued a wind weather warning for Sunday. There will be very strong winds, with some rainfall from midnight Saturday night, throughout Sunday and possibly into Monday morning.

The forecast for winds on the coast is from gale force seven up to severe gale force 10. The wind will reach gusts of 60-75mph.

Current disruption:

* Power cut affecting DT6 postcode.

* Westleaze Road in Dorchester closed near to the Sun Inn due to a fallen tree on power lines- police and firefighters are currently at the scene.

* Service suspended on Sandbanks Ferry between Studland and Poole due to adverse weather conditions.

* Bath Road is blocked due to a fallen tree between New Street (Marnhull) and B3091 Old Market Hill (Sturminster Newton).

* Delays of up to 30 minutes and some cancellations on South Western Railway between Fareham and Southampton Central due to fallen tree on the line.

* No service on CrossCountry between Reading and Bournemouth due to adverse weather conditions.

* An accident on the A37 which was delaying both ways near Saxon Arms Pub turn-off has been cleared.

* Service suspended on Red Funnel between Southampton and West Cowes due to adverse weather conditions.

*Monkey World has been closed due to the stormy weather.

* A37 cleared after it was blocked earlier due to a fallen tree at end of the dual carriageway on the Stratton side of Charminster. 

*A352 is blocked both ways between the turn-off for Winterborne Came and the road leading to Whitcombe. 

Dorset Council is asking people to stay away from cliffs and be careful on beaches at high tide when there is a possibility of large waves.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We want residents and visitors to stay safe and well. With winds this strong there is a possibility of risk to life along the coast.”

Inland the wind is not expected to be as strong, up to 55mph, but this may cause some travel disruption falling trees and flying debris. Make sure garden furniture is secure. Trees may also take power lines down in places.

The prolonged spell of wet weather has led to ground being saturated, so the rain on Sunday may cause short term localised flooding. So, drivers should be aware of the weather conditions and check routes before starting their journey.

The weather warning is in place until midnight on Sunday, but the windy weather may continue into Monday.

Coastguard warning

Lyme Regis Coastguard has issued a warning ahead of tomorrow.

A spokesman for the coastguard rescue team said: "With Storm Ciara on it's way over the weekend. We ask that you take extra care near the coast. High winds and Tides can be very dangerous, Please dont take risks just for a picture. 
Always stay a safe distance away and keep your family safe too.

"IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR SEE SOMEONE THAT DOES CALL 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD."

  • Meanwhile, Weymouth Lifeboat have been out training in the storm. Here's a video they posted on their social media pages.

Warning to drivers

Highways England has extended its warning to drivers to take care and be prepared for strong gales that have the potential to disrupt journeys. 
 
Road users, particularly drivers of high-sided HGVs, caravans and motorcycles, are advised to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys and pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds.   
 
Strong winds will be widespread and last throughout most of Sunday. Gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely across many inland areas and around 80mph in exposed coastal areas. A spell of heavy rain will affect many regions for a time, making driving conditions particularly poor. 
 
Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, Richard Leonard, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey. 
 
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.