Storm Chandra: severe flood warning remains around Iford Bridge
Storm Chandra drives rising river levels in Dorset
Last updated 29th Jan 2026
Rising river levels caused by Storm Chandra led to evacuation advice for residents in the Lower Stour area, including Iford Bridge Home Park, yesterday.
Yesterday morning, 28th January 2026, BCP Council instructed residents at Iford Bridge Home Park, Redhill, and Wheatplot Homes Sites to leave their homes due to increasing flood risks.
The Environment Agency warned that floodwaters would continue to rise and were expected to peak late yesterday afternoon.
Council officers have been on-site to assist with evacuations and to provide support to those residents who have chosen to remain in their homes.
Emergency response
BCP Council is supporting affected communities alongside emergency services as severe flooding remains a concern.
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said:
"BCP Council officers are working with the Environment Agency to support local communities affected by flooding caused by Storm Chandra.
"We know this must be a worrying time for the residents of Iford Bridge Home Park and Redhill and Wheatplot Homes Sites impacted by flooding. Our team, along with emergency services, are currently on-site to provide information, support and reassurance to those affected."
Monitoring river levels
Flood risks continue to be significant as river levels across the Lower Stour rise this morning (29 January).
At Wimborne, the River Stour level is 1.63 metres, with property flooding likely above 1.80 metres.
At Throop, the river is at 1.67 metres, exceeding the threshold for property flooding at 1.58 metres.
Residents have been advised to move family, pets, and vehicles to safety and to switch off gas, electricity, and water if it is safe to do so. Power to the site has already been turned off as a precaution.
Emergency services and council staff are onsite, and the next flood warning update is expected by 12:00PM on 29th January 2026.
But this all comes amid a yellow Met Office warning for more rain is due to come in this afternoon.
Forecasters said a band of rain would arrive across Cornwall on Thursday afternoon, then move northeast across the south west of England before clearing early on Friday.
"The rain is only likely to last for a few hours in any one location but will be heavy at times," a spokesperson said.
"A further 10-15 mm of rain is expected fairly widely, but some locations, most likely in the south of the area, could see 20-25 mm.
"The likelihood of impacts from these rainfall amounts is higher than normal due to saturated ground and ongoing flooding following Storm Chandra."