Eco & Environment | Posted on December 6th, 2024 | return to news
Dorset residents warned to brace for heavy rains this weekend
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issues advice ahead of Storm Darragh bringing heavy rains and very strong winds to the UK this weekend.
An amber weather warning has been issued for parts of the UK, ahead of the fourth named storm of the season.
Storm Darragh is expected to bring very strong winds and heavy rain through the weekend, including gusts of up to 80mph around the coasts. While the amber weather warning is focused on the west of the UK and stretches from Scotland to Cornwall from 10pm on Friday evening and continue until 9am on Saturday, there is also a yellow weather warning covering Dorset and the BCP conurbation over that period.
Ahead of the storm hitting the UK, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has issued a reminder to local people about the hazards of severe weather.
The service is asking drivers to be extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads.
Group Manager Jim Weston said: “While this stormy weather continues, please drive to the conditions and be particularly cautious at fords, where water levels can rise a lot in a short space of time. Storm Darragh has the potential to cause a lot of damage in our area, so we urge residents to make their homes safe and follow our advice.”
If you are travelling through areas affected by heavy rain, please remember:
- If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason. Don’t try to drive through or you might get stuck.
- Wherever possible, don’t drive through standing water – as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can’t see.
- If you are driving a larger vehicle, do not go through flood water at speed as this creates a ‘wave’ that can then cause flooding to other vehicles or adjacent properties.
- Slow down and take extra care if driving a high sided vehicle in strong winds.
- If heavy rain is making visibility difficult when driving, pull over if possible and safe to do so.
- Remember that roads will be slippery during wet conditions.
- Don’t try and walk through floodwater that is above knee level, as the force of the water could easily knock you off your feet. There is also a danger of open manholes, trenches or other hazards that you can’t see.
Residents are reminded not to call the Fire and Rescue Service about fallen trees unless there is a risk to life or property. Instead, contact your local council’s Highways department instead. Information on who to call is at www.dwfire.org.uk/who-to-call-for-storm-damage.
DWFRS is also reminding people of the risks along the coast, with rockfalls more likely to happen during prolonged periods of rain. If you intend to visit the coast, take notice of signs and stay away from the edge and base of cliffs. Other vital advice to follow when near the coast includes:
- Stay away from the edge of the cliff top – admire the view from a safe distance and keep dogs on leads.
- Stay away from the base of cliffs – rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. If you are trapped under a rock fall, the likelihood is that you will die.
- Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for your safety.
- Check tide times before you set off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides.
- Be aware of mud flows extending across the beaches – don’t get stuck.
- Remember that the size and strength of waves is far greater during storm conditions, so stay away from the water’s edge and keep dogs on a lead.
Before setting off on a journey, check for weather updates and road conditions online or via local radio. Allow extra time for any necessary diversions.
Guidance on how to prepare for strong winds and the risk of power cuts can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/storms-and-power-cuts.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
