FIVE flood warnings and four flood alerts have been issued in Dorset, ahead of Storm Eunice.

The Environment Agency has warned of storm surges across the Dorset coastline on Friday.

A spokesperson said they are closely monitoring the situation and checking defences across the affected areas.

Christchurch Harbour Side

"A tidal surge will increase the water levels and overtopping of sea defences is possible.

"The forecast high water is at 10:21 am on 18/02/22 with a level of 1.68 mAOD and Force 10 south westerlies. All times are local and refer to the high water time at the Christchurch Harbour gauge.

"Flooding to roads and properties is possible and can be one or two hours either side of the high tide. We expect flooding to affect areas in close proximity to Christchurch Harbour including Mudeford, Stanpit, the Quomps and Wick areas."

Dorset coast at Preston Beach

"We are expecting this to cause very large and powerful waves along the coast.

"A tidal surge will increase the water levels around high water and overtopping of sea defences is possible. Forecast high water is 07:55 on 18/02/18 with a level of 1.84 mAOD and Force 8 south westerlies.

"All times are local and refer to the high water time at Weymouth gauge. Flooding to roads is possible, however conditions may apply one to two hours either side of the high tide. We expect flooding at the Sea Life Centre and the Preston Beach Road area of Lodmoor."

Poole Harbour at West Quay and Lower Hamworthy Quay

"A tidal surge will increase the water levels around high water and overtopping of sea defences is possible. Forecast high water is 10:05 on 18/02/18 with a level of 1.55 mAOD and a Force 10 south westerlies.

"All times are local and refer to the high water time at Poole Town Quay gauge. Flooding to roads is possible, however conditions may apply one to two hours either side of the high tide. We expect flooding to affect Lower Hamworthy and areas of Poole from Old Town, The Quay to Hunger Hill."

Portland Harbour at Ferry Bridge

"Storm Eunice is expected to bring severe gale force winds, large waves and spray overtopping on the Dorset coast early Friday and into Saturday, coinciding with low spring tides.

"We are expecting this to cause very large and powerful waves along the coast. Areas most at risk include Chesil Bank and The Fleet Nature Reserve and Ferry Bridge Marine Services, Portland Beach Road. The forecast high water for Chiswell is at 07:51 AM on 18/02/2022 with a level of 1.81 mAODN with south-westerly force 9 winds and waves of 5.3 metres. (mAODN is height above average sea level)

"Storm Eunice is forecast to produce a large offshore tidal surge which will increase water levels for one to two hours either side of high water. We are activating flood signs at Wyke Regis and Portland. We are working with emergency services and local authorities and are closely monitoring the situation."

West Bay Harbour

"Areas most at risk include Esplanade, all harbourside properties and East Beach in West Bay. The forecast high water for West Bay is at 07:36 AM on 18/02/2022 with a level of 2.45 mAODN with south-westerly force 9 winds and waves of 3.2 metres. (mAODN is height above average sea level)

"Storm Eunice is forecast to produce a large offshore tidal surge which will increase water levels for one to two hours either side of high water. We are closing flood gates in West Bay Harbour. We are working with emergency services and local authorities and are closely monitoring the situation."

The Environment Agency has issued the following advice to the public: "Please stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as the expected large waves and sea spray will be dangerous. Stay aware in case further warnings are issued."

Four flood alerts have also been issued in Christchurch Harbour, Dorset coast at Poole Harbour, East coast of Dorset and the West coast of Dorset.