UPDATE: 06:30 Friday 23 October PORTLAND BEACH ROAD AND CAUSEWAY CLOSED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER

The Environment Agency have closed Portland Beach Road and the causeway due to severe weather overnight associated with Storm Austen.

The closure came into effect at 06:30 after conditions on the road became unsafe because of flooding. A yellow weather warning is still in place, with the period of highest risk continuing through until 1pm Friday 23 October.

Multi-agency teams are monitoring forecasts, local conditions, and water levels. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The road will remain closed until it is safe to reopen.

What road users should do

People planning to travel today Friday 23 October are advised to: 

• check travel conditions before setting off 
• allow extra time for journeys 
• make essential journeys only when possible  
• be prepared for possible disruption to travel plans
• check with disrupted service pages for local school closures and disruption to travel arrangements.

You can also check for areas of potential flooding at the Check for flooding in England - GOV.UK website.

Residents and visitors across Dorset are also advised to take sensible precautions ahead of the forecast weather, including securing bins and loose outdoor items, taking care around coastal areas and checking that animals and livestock are safe and protected. 

Latest updates will be published on this page. We will continue to keep residents, businesses and road users informed as conditions develop.