Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a safety warning on 1 November 2023 as Storm Ciaran brought heavy rain and very strong winds to the region, with severe weather warnings set to remain in place until Friday1.
The Service asked drivers to be extra vigilant and to understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads1. Its published guidance states that it only takes the equivalent of an eggcup of water to seize a car engine, and that drivers should not attempt to drive through a road closed due to flooding1. It also advises against driving through standing water wherever possible, because of hazards under the water that cannot be seen, and asks drivers of larger vehicles not to go through flood water at speed, as this creates a "bow wave" that can cause flooding to other vehicles or adjacent properties1. In strong winds, drivers of high sided vehicles are asked to slow down and take extra care, and where heavy rain makes visibility difficult, to pull over if possible and safe to do so1. The Service adds that roads will be slippery in wet conditions, and that people should not try to walk through floodwater above knee level, as the force of the water could knock them off their feet, with a further danger from open manholes, trenches or other hazards that cannot be seen1.
Group Manager Brad Stevens 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 Ciaran 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."
The Service also reminded residents of coastal risks, with rockfalls more likely during prolonged periods of rain1. Its guidance for people visiting the coast is to take notice of signs, stay away from the edge and base of cliffs, keep dogs on leads, check tide times before setting off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides, and be aware of mud flows extending across beaches1. It notes that the size and strength of waves is far greater during storm conditions1.
On reporting storm damage, the Service states that residents should not call the Fire and Rescue Service about fallen trees unless there is a risk to life or property, and should contact their local council's Highways department instead1. It says updates on weather forecasts and road conditions can be found on social media and via local radio and media websites, and that people should check their route before setting off and allow extra time for any necessary diversions1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers the Service's area, which its website lists as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire1. It applies while the severe weather warnings are in place, which the Service says is until Friday1. For households, the stated risks are surface water and flooding on roads, slippery surfaces, strong winds affecting high sided vehicles, and coastal hazards including rockfalls, landslides and tides1. The Service points residents to its guidance on preparing for strong winds and the risk of power cuts, and asks them to make their homes safe1. It directs reports of fallen trees without a risk to life or property to the local council's Highways department rather than the fire service1.
The Service's advice on driving in strong winds and on preparing for storms and power cuts is summarised in the site's guides to driving safely in strong winds and the storms and snow hub, and the warning levels in force are explained in the guide to Met Office weather warnings. Households needing council support during severe weather can find it set out in the guide to council help in severe weather.
What happens next
The Service states that severe weather warnings are set to be in place until Friday1. No further dated steps have been reported.
