Flood alert for East coast of Dorset
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High tides, strong winds and large waves today may lead to flooding.
Flooding is possible from 7:00pm on Thursday 8th January to approximately 8:00am on Friday 9th January.
Areas most at risk include Castletown, Weymouth, Preston Beach, Swanage Bay, Studland Bay, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth Beach, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour. In Swanage there may be a risk to the lower end of High Street road by the Pier Head so avoid parking vehicles in this area due to wave overtopping and flying debris. A 1m surge will increase water levels considerably higher than expected for this evening and into the early hours of the morning and will apply to the low and high tides. There will be large waves expected at all exposed coastal locations.
We are closely monitoring the situation
Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water .
This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 09 January 2026 or as the situation changes.
Flood alert area: Castletown, Weymouth, Preston Beach, Swanage Bay, Studland Bay, Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth Beach, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour.
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