Coastguards had to remove sighteers from Chesil Beach last night amid safety fears.

People turned out to watch large waves crashing onto Chesil Beach as they were told to expect flooding on Portland with the Environment Agency issuing a warning for Chiswell.

A spokesman for Wyke Regis Coastguard Rescue Team said: "The team was tasked by NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre) to assist Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team, Environment Agency Staff and Weymouth & Portland Police with public safety due too the flood risk in the Chesil area.

"Wyke took up position at The Chesil Beach centre, the top of the beach was cleared of sightseeers. We then monitored the area until the tide had dropped."

The flood warning remains in place today.

Motorists are also advised to be wary after reports of large waves throwing shingle onto A354 Portland Beach Road.

Due to high tides and adverse weather conditions on the Portland Beach Road, motorists are advised to take precautions when driving.

The road remains open at this time but is being frequently reviewed, police say.

The agency says that waves are expected to go over the top of the area's sea defence.

The next high tide is at 3:45am today.

The agency said yesterday: "Large and powerful waves are expected to overtop sea defences as a result of high tides. The forecast wind is Force 6 west north westerly. 

"Flooding to roads and properties is possible at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide. We believe there is a possibility of flooding for A354 Chiswell, Brandy Row, Pebble Lane, Victoria Square up to the junction with Queens Road, the car parks along the A354 and the yard along Lerret Road.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services. Please stay aware in case further warnings are issued."

Earlier, Wyke Regis and Portland Bill Coastguards assisted Environment Agency & Dorset Police to deal with 'public safety' due to the flood risk in the Chesil area.

They cleared areas of sightseers and monitored the area until the tide had dropped.

Dorset Echo:

Big waves at Chesil: Picture: Ken Deadman

High water was forecast for 3pm, and the agency warns that flooding to roads and properties could occur as much as two to four hours either side of high tide.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "We believe there is a possibility of flooding for A354 Chiswell, Brandy Row, Pebble Lane, Victoria Square up to the junction with Queens Road, the car parks along the A354 and the yard along Lerret Road We are closely monitoring the situation.

"Our incident response staff are closing flood gates. Please stay aware in case further warnings are issued."