FLOOD warnings are in force as Storm Eunice hits Dorset - including at West Bay Harbour.

The Environment Agency has issued warnings advising residents to take action now.

A Met Office Amber warning for wind is in place for south and west Dorset while the east of the county is on red alert - the highest warning the Met office can issue.

Storm Eunice is expected to bring severe gale force winds, large waves and spray overtopping on the Dorset coast early Friday and into Saturday, coinciding with low spring tides.

The Environment Agency is expecting this to cause very large and powerful waves along the coast.

Here is a summary of the warnings for this part of the county. Please take care on the coast and take action to protect yourselves, pets and property.

You can get live updates on our blog here.

WEST BAY HARBOUR

Storm Eunice is bringing severe gale force winds, large waves and spray overtopping on the Dorset coast early Friday and into Saturday, coinciding with low spring tides.

We are expecting this to cause very large and powerful waves along the coast.

Areas most at risk include Esplanade, all harbourside properties and East Beach in West Bay.

The forecast high water for West Bay is at 07:36 AM on 18/02/2022 with a level of 2.39 mAODN with south-westerly force 8 winds and waves of 2.9 metres. (mAODN is height above average sea level)

Storm Eunice is forecast to produce a large offshore tidal surge which will increase water levels for one to two hours either side of high water. We have closed flood gates in West Bay Harbour.

PORTLAND HARBOUR - FERRY BRIDGE

Areas most at risk include Chesil Bank and The Fleet Nature Reserve and Ferry Bridge Marine Services, Portland Beach Road.

The forecast high water for Chiswell is at 07:51 AM on 18/02/2022 with a level of 1.81 mAODN with south-westerly force 9 winds and waves of 5.3 metres. (mAODN is height above average sea level)

Storm Eunice is forecast to produce a large offshore tidal surge which will increase water levels for one to two hours either side of high water. The EA is activating flood signs at Wyke Regis and Portland.

The EA is working with emergency services and local authorities and are closely monitoring the situation.

PRESTON BEACH WEYMOUTH

A tidal surge will increase the water levels around high water and overtopping of sea defences is possible.

Forecast high water is 07:55 on 18/02/18 with a level of 1.84 mAOD and Force 8 south westerlies.

Flooding to roads is possible, however conditions may apply one to two hours either side of the high tide.

The EA expects flooding at the Sea Life Centre and the Preston Beach Road area of Lodmoor.

They are closely monitoring the situation and incident response staff are checking defences. Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads and stay aware in case further warnings are issued.

What to do if you get a flood warning - Environment Agency advice:

A flood warning means you need to act: flooding is expected.

  • move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so
  • move family and pets to safety
  • move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings
  • turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
  • if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now
  • keep track of the latest flood risk situation via the Environment Agency website