Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a safety warning on 16 February 2022 about the hazards of severe weather, as Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice bring heavy rain and very strong winds to the region1. The Service said severe weather warnings were set to be in place over the weekend and asked drivers to be extra vigilant about the dangers posed by surface water on the roads1.
Group Manager Stuart Gillion said surface water often does not appear deep, but unseen dips in the road can catch drivers unaware, and larger vehicles driven through water without dropping speed create a "bow wave" effect that can cause significant risks for other vehicles1. The Service asked drivers to drive to the conditions and to be particularly cautious at fords, where water levels can rise a lot in a short space of time1.
The Service's advice for travelling through areas affected by heavy rain included not driving through a road closed due to flooding, avoiding standing water wherever possible, and slowing down in a high sided vehicle in strong winds1. It said drivers should pull over if possible and safe to do so when heavy rain makes visibility difficult, and that roads will be slippery in wet conditions1. It also said people should not try to walk through floodwater above knee level, because the force of the water could knock them off their feet, and warned of open manholes, trenches and other hazards that cannot be seen1.
"With severe weather warnings set to be in place over the weekend, the Service is asking drivers to be extra vigilant and understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads."
On the coast, the Service said rockfalls are more likely during prolonged periods of rain and asked people to take notice of signs and stay away from the edge and base of cliffs1. Its coastal advice included staying away from the cliff top and keeping dogs on leads, checking tide times before setting off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides, and being aware of mud flows extending across beaches1. It said the size and strength of waves is far greater during storm conditions, so people should stay away from the water's edge1. The Service also asked residents not to call it about fallen trees unless there is a risk to life or property, and to contact their local council's Highways department instead1. It said updates on forecasts and road conditions can be found on social media and via local radio and media websites, and advised checking routes before setting off and allowing extra time for diversions1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, the areas the Service serves1. It applies to travel and coastal visits over the weekend, when severe weather warnings were expected to be in place1. For households, the practical points set out by the Service concern road travel in heavy rain and strong winds, walking through floodwater, and visits to the coast during and after prolonged rain1. The Service directs reports of fallen trees to council Highways departments rather than the fire service, unless there is a risk to life or property1. The Met Office's warning levels are explained in the guide to Met Office weather warnings, and driving in high winds is covered in how to drive safely in strong winds. Coastal rockfalls and landslides after heavy rain are covered in landslips after heavy rain, and wider storm preparation in the storms and snow hub.
What happens next
The Service said severe weather warnings were set to be in place over the weekend, and that forecast and road condition updates would be available on social media, local radio and media websites1. No further dated steps have been reported.
