Beach road may close as high tides bring flood risk

People travelling on routes between Weymouth and Portland are being urged to make essential journeys only as roads may be closed temporarily due to Storm Boelo.

Dorset Council said teams were on site monitoring conditions on the A354 Portland Beach Road and the causeway, with the highest risk of flooding due between 16:00 and 20:00 BST.

On Friday, the road was closed for several hours after conditions became unsafe as Storm Austen swept in.

The Environment Agency has issued several flood alerts for parts of Dorset's east and west coasts, including Portland Harbour, Chiswell, Preston Beach in Weymouth, and Christchurch Harbour, where high tides, strong winds and large waves may cause flooding.

The council said the road between Weymouth and Portland would remain open on Saturday "for as long as it is safe to do so".

The authority has also urged people to prepare for the weather by securing bins and other loose outdoor items, staying clear of coastal areas, and making sure animals and livestock are safe.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning covering large parts of the south coast, which is in place until 23:00.

Storm Boelo is bringing more wet and windy weather to large parts of the UK a day after Storm Austen swept in.