As the county picks up the pieces following Storm Ciara, a new weather warning is place.

A large tidal surge means the whole of the west Dorset coast is on flood alert - with a particular focus on West Bay which is currently experiencing a rise in river levels.

At West Bay, there is a possibility of flooding for Esplanade, Quayside, Heron Court, Forty Foot Way, Driftwood, George Street, Swains Row, The Old Timberyard, Station Way, Pier Terrace and East Beach in West Bay We are closely monitoring the situation.

Strong onshore winds will cause tide levels to rise further and Charmouth, Seatown, West Bay, Bothenhampton, Freshwater, Burton Bradstock, Cogden Beach, Chesil Beach, West Fleet, East Fleet and Chiswell are all on flood alert.  

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Please be careful along beaches, promenades and coastal footpaths and roads as large waves could be dangerous."

Flooding to roads, farmland and properties is possible during the forecast high tide - at 9.15am today - however conditions may apply two to four hours either side.

River levels are forecast to rise at the Charmouth river gauge following expected heavy overnight rainfall falling on already saturated ground.

There is a possibility of flooding for the Rivers Lim, Char, Winniford, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride. Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next three days and river levels can rise very quickly under these conditions.

Dorset is set for another battering this weekend when Storm Dennis sweeps in, bringing heavy rain and gales.

Storm Dennis, named by the Met Office, is not expected to be as extreme as Storm Ciara, which hit at the weekend, but will bring widespread strong winds and heavy rain to parts of the UK.

A National Severe Weather Warning for wind has been issued for much of England and Wales, further warnings are likely to be issued in the coming days.

Currently, a yellow 'be aware' warning has been issued for Saturday and Sunday which covers Dorset.

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