BCP Storm Ciarán Update

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is ready and prepared to respond to any issues that Storm Ciarán may present over the next few days.

Strong winds and high rainfall is expected to bring widespread travel disruption with the Met Office issuing a yellow alert, with fallen trees and flying debris likely, and the potential for flooding in certain areas.

The council is advising everyone to check local conditions before travelling across the area, as forecasted weather may force road closures.

Parents are being advised to check on individual school websites for the latest updates regarding any potential closures.

BCP Council and homeless charity St Mungo’s have activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide emergency shelter to anyone sleeping rough tonight, (1 November), as the storm sweeps in later.

Some council services may be affected by the storm on Thursday 2 November and the council is working with its partners to limit its impact.

Residents are advised to:

• secure any loose objects in gardens and driveways ahead of the storm’s arrival
• avoid visiting coastal areas during the storm, where the winds may reach gale force with unpredictable tidal surges. For your own safety, don’t storm watch.
• Use caution if walking on cliffs and cliff zigzag paths due to increased groundwater
• Report urgent tree issues which may cause disruption on our highways

Residents with a scheduled refuse collection tomorrow (Thursday) are asked to avoid putting their bin out overnight tonight to avoid them being blown over and waste falling into the street during the storm.

Residents are also asked to bring their bins back onto their property tomorrow as soon as possible once they have been emptied.

Council services affected include:

• Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier will be closed from 5pm tonight until it is safe to reopen them
• Boscombe Undercliff carpark is closed
• Twin Sails and Poole Bridge – lifting suspended from 7pm tonight
• Flooding, fallen trees and debris may force some road closures, so please check before you travel

Cllr Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council and Portfolio Holder for Dynamic Places which oversees emergency planning, said:

"Across the council, our teams are preparing for the impact of Storm Ciarán, as well as the aftermath, which is likely to be extensive – and I want to thank these teams in advance for their hard work over the next few days.

"Making sure our residents stay safe is our priority, so please report any issues caused by the storm to us, and if you’re concerned about anyone sleeping rough during this time, please do ring the relevant number so our teams can encourage them inside.

"Ahead of the storm’s arrival, please can residents secure any garden items that may cause flying debris. During the storm, we’re asking for people to stay away from the coast and check in on any elderly or vulnerable neighbours wherever possible.

"Our teams are ready to respond in all weathers and working alongside partners will be managing the impact of the storm over the next few days."

Residents should use the links below to report any storm-related incidents:

• BCP Council's Report It function
• Fallen Trees blocking main roads here
• Flooding in homes and businesses here
• Flooding on roads here
• Power cut – to find your local electricity network

If anyone is concerned about someone sleeping rough during Storm Ciarán, please ring 01202 315962 or email B&Pstreetoutreach@mungos.org

Follow BCP Council updates about Storm Ciarán on Twitter / X here.

Find out the latest on the storm from BCP Council here.

Follow the RNLI advice on the coast here.

Keep up to date with the latest advice and weather warnings from the Met Office here.

Follow the Met Office advice for staying safe in a storm here.