SCHOOLS have shut and a number of services suspended across Dorset after an amber weather warning was issued yesterday - with the county set to be battered by Storm Eunice, which is forecast to cause major disruption throughout the day.

The amber warning suggests gusts of up to 90mph could be hitting the south west coast and is to be in force from 5am until 9pm today (Friday, February 18).

The Met office said disruption from “extremely strong” winds include flying debris which could result in danger to life, falling branches and trees, damage to buildings and roofs, power lines brought down, road closures, disruption and cancellations to train, bus, ferry and planes in addition to beach material thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

Dorset Council took action as it prepared for the adverse weather and yesterday made the pre-emptive decision to advise all schools to close to staff and students for the day and to suspend the continuation of some of its services.

Services which have been suspended include, and are not limited to: council transport, including school and social care; closure of day centres; closure of all household recycling centre; closure of libraries and council owned buildings; roads could be closed at short notice; and the closure of Durlston Country Park with scheduled performances cancelled.

Bin collections are also being suspended and residents are being asked not put their bins out for collection today. The council said it will attempt to collect rubbish on Saturday, February 19, food waste will be emptied on the next collection day (Friday 25 February) and missed recycling on Saturday, February 26.

The Met Office said: "Extremely strong winds are expected to develop over southwest England early on Friday, before spreading north and east during the day.

"Inland wind gusts widely in the 60-70 mph range but up to 80 mph in a few places.

"Around coasts of west Wales and southwest England, gusts of 80 to 90 mph are possible. Winds are expected to ease across western areas through the afternoon, and eastern areas during the evening."

Residents are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary and take measures to stay safe and should not go to watch the sea in coastal or clifftop locations. There are specific flood warnings from the Environment Agency issued for Lyme Regis, West Bay, Chiswell and Ferrybridge, Preston Beach Road and Swanage Bay in terms of tidal surge flooding.

The council has said that emergency procedures are being put in place to keep homeless and rough sleepers safe, to make welfare checks to the vulnerable and for home care providers.

Cllr Graham Carr Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community Safety and Emergency Planning, said: “The decision to suspend services has not been taken lightly and the priority is to prevent injury and loss of life.

“The council has taken heed of the warnings from the Met Office, and due to their predictions of extremely strong wind, we have taken the precautionary decisions to suspend services and advise all schools close and children stay at home.

“We have plans in place for scenarios such as this and we feel well prepared. Highways and arboricultural teams will be on stand-by throughout the weekend to deal with highways issues, fallen trees and debris on the roads.”

“Residents need to take precautions to make sure they safe and well until the storm passes.”