UPDATED: Storm Ciaran arrives in Dorset

Dorset's expected to bear the brunt of Storm Ciaran today (Thursday 2nd November) - with yellow warnings in place for strong coastal winds, along with heavy rain.

Some local schools have taken the decision to close.

There's been a number of flood warnings issued around the county, with temporary flood barriers put up at West Bay by DEFRA engineers.

They've also been checking all of Dorset's flood defences and trash screens, to make sure they're ready for the onslaught.

BCP Council response ready

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council say they're 'ready and prepared' to deal with any issues that Storm Ciarán may present.

BCP Council and homeless charity St Mungo’s have activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency shelter to anyone sleeping rough.

They've also closed Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers for safety reasons, until further notice - along with seafront car parks.

Some council services may be affected by the storm today (Thursday 2nd November) and the council is working with its partners to limit its impact.

Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said:

“Across the council, our teams are preparing for the impact of Storm Ciarán, as well as the aftermath, which is likely to be extensive – and I want to thank these teams in advance for their hard work over the next few days.

“Making sure our residents stay safe is our priority, so please report any issues caused by the storm to us, and if you’re concerned about anyone sleeping rough during this time, please do ring the relevant number so our teams can encourage them inside.

“Ahead of the storm’s arrival, please can residents secure any garden items that may cause flying debris. During the storm, we’re asking for people to stay away from the coast and check in on any elderly or vulnerable neighbours wherever possible.

“Our teams are ready to respond in all weathers and working alongside partners will be managing the impact of the storm over the next few days.”

Safety advice from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking drivers to be extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads.

Group Manager Brad Stevens said:

“While this stormy weather continues, please drive to the conditions and be particularly cautious at fords, where water levels can rise a lot in a short space of time. Storm Ciaran has the potential to cause a lot of damage in our area, so we urge residents to make their homes safe and follow our advice.”

If you are travelling through areas affected by heavy rain, please remember:

• If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason. Don’t try to drive through or you might get stuck. It only takes the equivalent of an eggcup of water to seize a car engine.

• Wherever possible, don’t drive through standing water – as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can’t see.

• If you are driving a larger vehicle, do not go through flood water at speed as this creates a ‘bow wave’ that can then cause flooding to other vehicles or adjacent properties.

• Slow down and take extra care if driving a high sided vehicle in strong winds.

• If heavy rain is making visibility difficult when driving, pull over if possible and safe to do so.

• Remember that roads will be slippery during wet conditions.

• Don’t try and walk through floodwater that is above knee level, as the force of the water could easily knock you off your feet. There is also a danger of open manholes, trenches or other hazards that you can’t see.

Fire crews are also reminding us of the risks along the coast, with rockfalls more likely to happen during prolonged periods of rain.

If you intend visiting the coast, take notice of signs and stay away from the edge and base of cliffs.

'Watch waves from a distance'

The RNLI is calling on people to avoid going to the coast during the storm, but if we choose to, keep a safe distance.

Regional Water Safety Lead, Guy Addington said:

"This rough weather could make visiting our coasts treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.

"Sadly, around 150 people lose their lives accidentally in UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water. We know it can look like fun to get up close to the water’s edge and take selfies or dodge the waves, but the sea is unpredictable at the best of times, and this is much more dangerous than it looks.

"While people may want to experience extreme weather around the coast, we would strongly advise against doing so. It is not worth risking your life, so we urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.

"If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others."

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