Dorset faced another battering from wild weather as Storm Herminia swept through the region, putting communities on high alert for flooding. Just days after the county largely escaped the worst of Storm Éowyn on Friday, Herminia arrived with significant force on Sunday, battering the coastline with winds reaching up to 66 mph and prompting yellow weather warnings for both wind and heavy rain.
Officials were particularly concerned about the timing of high tide early Sunday morning and later throughout the day, predicting increased flooding risk across various parts of the county. The Environment Agency was on heightened alert, especially after initial strong winds whipped up formidable waves at West Bay, sending foam over the harbor and seafront.
Flood defenses were swiftly deployed at West Bay following predictions of large waves and potential coastal overtopping on Sunday night. “We had to close the Esplanade and the Bridport Arms car park due to the barriers being put up,” said local authorities, indicating the severity of the situation. Video captured by local photographer Rachel Jenner showed the raging sea foam at West Bay. “It was quite spectacular to see, I’ve never seen so much foam on the East Beach side,” commented her mother, Debbie. “The wind and sand also stings your face, but it’s just lovely nature,” she added.
Some residents had close encounters with the storm's raw power. Jenny Martin, staying at Rodden Barn Campsite during Herminia's arrival, recounted witnessing dramatic lightning and loud thunder. “The sky lit up, and the electrics went out — it scared my dog,” she shared, relieved her camper had the proper electric safeguards to prevent damage.
Flood alerts rolled out across Dorset, affecting rivers and streams, including the Upper and Lower Frome and the River Piddle. The Environment Agency issued specific warnings for the Upper Frome at Maiden Newton and others, urging the community to prepare for rising water levels. Many events scheduled for Sunday were either postponed or canceled, including the Weymouth Town Council Holocaust Memorial Day service planned to be held at Radipole Park Gardens.
Compounding the issue were long-standing problems with local infrastructure. A community nearby welcomed plans to demolish the Powerstock bridge, which spanned the site of historical flooding along Barrowland Lane. Neil Farmer, chair of Toller Porcorum Parish Council, expressed optimism over freezing flooding issues, having suffered the consequences of the bridge’s inadequacy for years. “The highways authority and Dorset Council are working together, and we are hopeful for swift action,” he said.
This bridge, previously part of the now-closed Bridport branch railway since its closure back in 1975, has become notorious for causing significant traffic disruptions due to frequent flooding underneath. National Highways is now awaiting ministerial approval to demolish the bridge, and local parish councilors are buoyed by the prospect. “From the sheer number of cars stuck over the years, it’s clear something needs to be done,” added Dorset Council member Neil Eysenck, stressing the urgency for improvements.
With Storm Herminia moving across the region, safety advice was disseminated by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue, reminding residents to stay cautious. They suggested motorists avoid driving through standing water, as it can be deceptively deep, concealing hazards lurking beneath the surface. If roads are closed, people must abide by those warnings to prevent risking their vehicles and lives.
For larger vehicles, they urged to approach floodwaters at low speeds. “The bow wave created can flood nearby homes and businesses,” warned firefighters. They urged motorists to be prepared for breakdowns and assured them of rescue aid, even though vehicle recovery falls under personal responsibility.
Driving during heavy rains can also be perilous, with advice to pull over if visibility drops significantly. With slippery roads posing additional dangers, extra caution should be used when driving, allowing for increased stopping distances. Those pedestrians encountering floodwaters were cautioned to steer clear if the water rises above knee level due to the unpredictable strength of the current, plus hidden dangers like open manholes and debris.
With warnings continuing well beyond the immediate effects of Storm Herminia, the communities across Dorset are rallying together, prepared to confront the challenges posed by their peculiar weather patterns. The combination of nature’s fury and human resilience intertwines as area residents await calmer weather and the end of localized flooding emergencies.