Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a safety warning on 5 December 2024 about the hazards of severe weather as Storm Darragh brought heavy rain and very strong winds to its area, with severe weather warnings set to be in place over the weekend1.
The Service asked drivers to be extra vigilant and to understand the dangers posed by surface water on the roads1. It said it only takes the equivalent of an eggcup of water to seize a car engine, and that where possible drivers should not drive through standing water, as there may be hazards under the water that cannot be seen1. Drivers of larger vehicles were asked not to go through flood water at speed, because this creates a "bow wave" that can cause flooding to other vehicles or adjacent properties1. The Service also advised slowing down and taking extra care in a high sided vehicle in strong winds, pulling over if possible and safe to do so when heavy rain makes visibility difficult, and remembering that roads will be slippery in wet conditions1.
For people on foot, the Service said not to try to walk through floodwater above knee level, as the force of the water could easily knock you off your feet, and warned of open manholes, trenches or other hazards that cannot be seen1. It reminded residents not to call the Fire and Rescue Service about fallen trees unless there is a risk to life or property, and to contact the local council's Highways department instead1.
Along the coast, the Service said rockfalls are more likely during prolonged periods of rain, and set out advice to stay away from the edge of cliff tops and the base of cliffs, to pay attention to warning signs, to check tide times before setting off, to be aware of mud flows extending across beaches, and to stay away from the water's edge and keep dogs on a lead1. It said 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.
"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 Darragh 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."
| Hazard | Service advice |
|---|---|
| Strong winds while driving | Slow down and take extra care in a high sided vehicle1 |
| Poor visibility | Pull over if possible and safe to do so1 |
| Walking through floodwater | Do not walk through water above knee level; unseen manholes and trenches are a danger1 |
| Fallen trees | Do not call the Fire and Rescue Service unless there is a risk to life or property; contact the council's Highways department1 |
| Coast | Stay away from cliff edges and cliff bases; check tide times; keep dogs on leads; stay away from the water's edge1 |
Why it matters for households
The warning covers Dorset and Wiltshire, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire, the areas listed on the Service's site1. It applies to the weekend of 7 and 8 December 2024, when severe weather warnings were set to be in place1. The Service links the storm to the risk of power cuts and points to its own guidance on preparing for strong winds and power cuts1. Households in the affected areas may find roads closed by flooding or blocked by fallen trees, and travel may take longer because of diversions1. The Service's advice is to make homes safe, to follow its road, walking and coastal advice, and to check forecasts and road conditions before setting out1. Further detail on driving in strong winds is set out in our guide to driving safely in strong winds, and background on the storm is in our Storm Darragh 2024 guide, part of the wider storms and snow section.
What happens next
The Service said severe weather warnings were set to be in place over the weekend of 7 and 8 December 20241. No further dated steps have been reported.
Storm Darragh 2024
