Man injured after huge waves cause serious flooding on Portland
A car was seen being washed down the street at Chiswell
Last updated 1st Feb 2021
One man's been injured after huge storm waves caused serious flooding on Portland last night. (30 January)
The waves breached the sea defences around Big Ope at Chiswell.
Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue team were called out.
One of their team members was seriously injured after being hit by a large wave.
They were trying to get storm watchers at Chisel to safety.
Travel writer Geoff Moorewas there and captured this video of what happened.
Eye witness Nikki Souster filmed the moment a car was swept down the street by the storm water.
The flood sirens were sounded as part of the Island's flood defence system to make people aware of the danger.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
“We are currently supporting the flooded community of Chiswell on Portland following the impact of unexpected high waves on Saturday evening which overtopped the sea defences. Thankfully, no homes were flooded, but there was considerable debris and water in the surrounding roads and we are working with partners to assist anyone affected.
“This morning (Sunday) we inspected the defences at Chesil Beach. No immediate work is required. Further investigations will take place early next week and our field teams remain on the ground. However, we would urge people to avoid further danger by keeping out of any remaining flood waters and away from any defence work being undertaken. Please also be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and affected roads.
“Overall, the coastal forecast is improving with reducing tide, wind speeds and wave heights, and conditions are below ‘flood alert’ criteria for the west coast of Dorset. People can check their flood risk and sign up for free flood alerts by visiting our flood warning information page at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings”
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.