Be prepared for Storm Eunice
Emergency services on 'full alert' in Dorset
Last updated 18th Feb 2022
There might have been a few blustery showers in the last couple of days, but it's nothing compared to what's coming our way!
We're expecting to be battered by Storm Eunice on Friday (18th February), with an Amber weather warning in place from the Met Office for windy conditions.
Gusts of up to 80 mph could be possible inland in Dorset, and up to 100mph on the coast.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
All of Dorset's school have been advised to close by the local authority, to prevent the risk of children, parents and staff travelling in adverse weather.
FLOOD WARNINGS
A number of flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency, ahead of the storm arriving.
They've said water levels are expected to be high at Preston Beach, Portland Harbour, West Bay Harbour, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bothenhampton, Burton Bradstock, Chesil Beach, Studland Bay, Swanage Bay and coastal areas between them.
FIREFIGHTERS' ADVICE
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service are asking us to beware while Storm Eunice brings severe weather.
They've reminded drivers in particular to be 'extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads'.
Group Manager Stuart Gillion said:
“Very often, surface water doesn’t appear very deep but there can be unseen dips in the road which then catch drivers unaware. There is also a risk of drivers in larger vehicles driving through water without dropping their speed, which then creates a ‘bow wave’ effect – and this can cause significant risks for other vehicles. 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.”
Here's some tips from DWFRS if you are travelling:
- 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
- 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
SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY AFFECTED
Train services through Dorset will be affected by the severe weather on Friday (18th February), with South Western Railway putting a 50 mile per hour speed restriction on all their routes throughout the day.
They're asking passengers to consider whether their journeys are necessary and strongly advise us to check before we travel.
If you've already bought a ticket for travel tomorrow (Friday 18th), SWR say they will still accept them today (Thursday 17th) or Saturday (19th February).
ADVICE ON THE COAST
As ever with stormy weather, there's a plea for people to avoid venturing out with the purpose of taking a 'storm selfie'.
We're warned it's dangerous and could get people into serious difficulties.
There's advice from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue about staying safe near the coast:
- Stay away from the edge of the cliff top – admire the view from a safe distance, and keep dogs on leads
- Stay away from the base of cliffs - rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. If you are trapped under a rock fall, the likelihood is that you will die
- Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for your safety
- Check tide times before you set off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides
- Be aware of mud flows extending across the beaches – don’t get stuck
- Remember that the size and strength of waves is far greater during storm conditions, so stay away from the water’s edge and keep dogs on a lead