06-Dec-23Derek Day

Yellow Weather Warning for Rain – THURSDAY 07-Dec-2023

We are advising residents in the Dorset Council area to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds over the next 36 hours. The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings for the area. 

The Met Office has given a yellow warning for rain in the Dorset Council area, with significant rainfall expected between midnight tonight (Wednesday 6 December) and 10pm tomorrow (Thursday 7 December). Advice from the Met Office suggests this may cause localised flooding and travel disruption.  

Residents and communities are urged to prepare for flooding, below is advice from the Environment Agency on what you can do to prepare for flooding, particularly if you live in a low-lying area that is liable to flood. 

    • Think and prepare now for what you’ll do if flooding occurs where you live, don’t wait until flooding happens.
    • If your village or town has a community flood plan – put it into action.
      Do not attempt to drive or cycle through flood water.
    • Encourage community members to move valuables from basements and cellars.
      Check pumps and other property resilience measures are working.
    • If you have a septic tank, eliminate all non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible until the ground is no longer flooded.
    • Keep drains and gullies free of leaves and debris, request help from Highways if necessary – call 01305 221020.
    • If you own part of a riverbank, keep the banks and bed of the river clear of debris.
    • Stay well clear of cliff edges and bases and exercise caution if walking near rivers and lakes and the sea.
    • Allow additional time for journeys to school, as travel disruption is possible  
      Visit the Environment Agency website for flooding information www.gov.uk/check-flooding.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed with local weather reports and check social media for up-to-date weather information. 

    • Residents should use the links below to report any weather-related incidents:  
    • Dorset Council’s Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance 01305 221020
    • Dorset Council Sandbags & Local Flooding Advice Dorset Council Non
      Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance  
    • 24 hour Wessex Water line: 0345 600 4600 
    • 24 hour floodline: 0345 988 118 (www.gov.uk/flood) 
    • Environment Agency National Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 
    • Environment Agency Flood Resilience Team (office hours) 
    • Flood Online Reporting Tool (FORT) 
    • Report a gully or flooding issue on the Highway