There are currently weather warnings in effect for Dorset as Storm Ciarán hits the UK’s South Coast. There is a Yellow warning in effect for heavy rain (until 11:59pm) and strong winds (until 5pm) on Thursday 2 November.
[Last updated 12:45am, Friday 3 November]
PLEASE NOTE: Now that Storm Ciarán has passed Dorset, we will no longer be updating this article. For traffic information, please visit our live traffic updates page. For all other information, please refer to the appropriate section of the Dorset Council website.
Dorset Council and our partners are ready to cope with the impact of this extreme weather, with safety measures deployed and teams on stand-by to assist where needed.
Please note the following information and guidance below.
Travel and Transport
- A37 at Stratton (near the railway bridge) closed northbound. We had reopened to 2 way traffic under temporary lights, but rising flood water has left us needing to close the northbound lane again.
- Kings Mill Road both ways impassable due to flooding between Common Lane (Marnhull) and Stalbridge turn off (Stalbridge).
- Portland Beach Road has now reopened.
- A3030 both ways reopened, earlier flooding between Bere Lane (Bishops Caundle) and New Lane (Caundle Marsh).
- Burton Road in Dorchester closed between The Grove (Lidl junction) and The Sun Inn due to flooding.
- Swanage High Street is closed between Seymour Road and the pier.
- South Causeway (Stoborough) currently closed due to flooding.
- Stapehill Road both ways blocked due to flooding from Longham turn off (Hampreston) to Keepers Lane (Stapehill).
- Cart Road, Lyme Regis, is closed.
- Severe flooding – Cranborne Road, Wimborne.
- Sandbanks vehicle ferry not operating due to tidal conditions at Studland.
- Bakers Arms Roundabout – Not closed, but traverse with care.
Please exercise caution if you need to travel on Thursday 2 November. If your travel is essential, please check out the Met Office’s Travelling in storms, rain and strong wind guidance online.
We strongly urge motorists to drive slowly through flood water if they cannot avoid it. This prevents bow waves, which can cause problems for nearby property.
School transport – We will be providing school transport as usual on Thursday 2 November, but please note that it is up to each individual school to decide if they are closing for the day. If you do not hear anything from your school, please assume transport is running as normal.
You can check details via your school transport provider’s webpages, social media channels and the Dorset Council website.
Day centre transport – Any Care Dorset customers whose pre-booked transport is disrupted by the weather will be contacted directly by the appropriate adult day centre.
Highways problems – Hazards on the roads (e.g. fallen trees, debris, overflowing drains etc.) should be reported via the Dorset Council website. For urgent reports, please call Customer Services on 01305 221020.
Please note that some roads may be closed at short notice. Any large-scale traffic disruption will be communicated via the Dorset Council website, social media, and the local press. If you must travel, please check your route before leaving and take the necessary precautionary measures.
Staying safe
Please have a read of the Met Office’s 5 tips for staying safe in strong wind and 5 tips for staying safe in heavy rain.
The coast path from West Bay to Burton Bradstock is closed. We are also receiving reports of people visiting East Beach, which is at risk from wave overtopping.
Stay away from the coast. Beaches, cliffs, piers, harbours etc. will be potentially dangerous during the event, so do not visit these places until the weather improves.
There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads, and properties. If you reside in any of these locations, please take precautionary measures in advance.
Those who receive social care from the council will be contacted by officers directly if there is any disruption to their services. We have also triggered the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide support and shelter for those sleeping rough.
Bin collections and household recycling centres
Portland Household Recycling Centre has now reopened, but will close at 4pm as usual. We recommend keeping hold of your waste for now and drop it off when the weather improves tomorrow (Friday 3 November).
Bin collections are expected to operate as usual on Thursday 2 November, with no planned closures of our other household recycling centres. However, this is subject to change at late notice as we continue to monitor weather conditions.
If you put your bins out for collection during the storm, we would kindly ask that you take any possible precautions to ensure they are secured from high winds. We would also appreciate any bins or boxes being taken in as soon as possible after they are emptied – you may wish to do the same for neighbours who aren’t at home during the day.
Any widespread disruption to services will be communicated via our website and the Dorset Council Waste Services social media channels.
Flooding
You can report flooding incidents, get information on preparing for flooding, and read advice on getting help during a flood at the Flooding – Dorset Council webpage.
If you live in an area liable to flooding, please make sure you’ve stocked up on sandbags or equivalent products in advance – Dorset Council does not typically provide these. Alternatively, contact your local town or parish council to see if they hold sandbags for community use.
Those unable to source and deploy their own flood measures (e.g. vulnerable adults) should get in touch (or ask someone to contact us on their behalf) via our Customer Services team at CustomerServices@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, or call 01305 221000.
For further information and advice, please see our Sandbags and local flooding webpage.
Electricity, gas and water supply failure
If your electricity, gas or water supply is disrupted by the weather, please contact your supplier in the first instance. Their emergency contact details should be printed on your latest bill or found on their website. We also have details at Electricity, gas and water supply failure – Dorset Council.
We encourage people to follow their energy supplier’s social media accounts for the latest power outage updates. You may also wish to check in on vulnerable/elderly residents who might be cut off, provided it is safe to do so.
If you wish to prepare for the possibility of a power cut, please read National Grid’s 12 tips to prepare for a power cut guidance.
National Grid have put a range of measures in place to ensure they are prepared. Their Digital Comms teams are providing support and are regularly updating their website on the current position.
