STORM Ciara made her mark across Dorset yesterday, with driving rain and gusts of up to 70mph tearing into the coast.

The extreme weather caused traffic disruptions across the county.

And the Met Office has issued another yellow warning for wind for Dorset which is valid until 7pm tonight. 

Yesterday's weather didn't put off AFC Bournemouth fans travelling north for the Cherries away game at Sheffield United. Although, there were reported delays at the turnstiles ahead of the Premier League clash.

BCP Council staff were out early yesterday morning assessing any damage.

Footage by Georgie Foy 

A council spokesman said: "The seafront is largely inaccessible with sand on the prom lying a foot deep in parts. All toilets are closed from Southbourne to Sandbanks."

Bournemouth Echo:

Only the hardy took on the elements at Bournemouth Beach on Sunday.

Visitor Richard Woods, who said he couldn't resist taking a look at the seafront for what turned out to be one of the strongest storms in recent years, told the Daily Echo: "It was amazing how quickly the wind picked up. You can barely walk when one of the stronger gusts hits you, and the sand is being blown into your eyes with some force.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by David John Faulkner

"I think deep down everyone loves a good storm though.

"As long as everyone stays safe."

There were even some people out jogging along the Bournemouth promenade first thing on Sunday morning.

Bournemouth Echo:

Sandblasted beach huts at Alum Chine by Helen Gallimore

In neighbouring Poole the Sandbanks Ferry was suspended due to the stormy conditions.

The ferry company said it would only resume services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Dorset Council warned people to stay away from cliffs and to be careful on beaches at high tide because of the possibility of large waves. crashing in.

Bournemouth Echo:

St Oswald's Bay by Sharon Cutler 

Ahead of the storm, Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: “We want residents and visitors to stay safe and well.

"With winds this strong there is a possibility of risk to life along the coast.”

Meanwhile, on the region's rail network a speed limit was in force throughout Sunday, causing delays for travellers.

Bournemouth Echo:

Lyme Regis by Steve Hogan 

A South Western Railways spokesman said on Sunday: "High winds and rain showers have been forecast for our network

"A 50mph speed restriction will be in place across our network between 10am and 7pm.

"We strongly advise you to check before you travel."

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Arash Art

A tree came down in the strong winds at Panorama Road, Sandbanks, Poole, smashing through a fence and blocking the road.

Elsewhere, a tree fell blocking Bath Road in North Dorset. The road was blocked in both directions between New Street, Marnhull, and Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton.

Another tree came down in Bournemouth, blocking Throop Road near Hewitts Gardens.

The Dorchester to Westlease Road was also blocked by a fallen tree at Charminster, west Dorset.

Bournemouth Echo:

Big waves at Portland Bill by Danny Howe

Bosses at the Purbeck primate sanctuary, Monkey World, took the decision to close for the day.

Yesterday, a park spokesman confirmed: "Due to high winds and the forecast for storm Ciara, Monkey World will be closed to the public on Sunday, February 9.

"Thank you for understanding and apologies for any inconvenience."