Dorset coast under flood warning as Storm Austen sweeps in
Storm Austen has caused significant travel disruption and flooding across the Dorset coast and surrounding areas in the UK. While flood warnings were eventually lifted, the storm resulted in power outages and blocked railway lines due to fallen trees.
Why it matters
Severe weather events highlight the vulnerability of regional infrastructure and the importance of timely public safety warnings.
Image source, BBC/Sophie Cridland Image caption, After conditions became unsafe the A354 Portland Beach Road was temporarily closed by the Environment Agency
Storm Austen has continued to cause disruption as it sweeps across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, having arrived in the south west overnight.
The Environment Agency (EA) earlier issued flood warnings for the Dorset coast, including the Chiswell area and Christchurch Harbour, with people urged to avoid seafronts and harbours due to waves overtopping and spray containing debris.
Five flood warnings in place for Dorset were all removed shortly after 15:00 BST.
There have been power cuts reported and fallen trees and downed power lines causing disruption to roads, ferries and public transport services.
Image source, SWR Image caption, A fallen tree has been cleared from the railway line between Poole and Bournemouth, but two further trees have since come down
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