People visiting the coast are being warned to take extra care as Storm Ciarán approaches.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding those visiting the south coast to be aware of the dangers as the storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern England from Wednesday evening.

This comes after days of heavy rain and flooding across much of Dorset.

In west Dorset rivers burst their banks on Wednesday, October 25, with Bredy Road in Burton Bradstock becoming impassable, which saw a car and van sitting submerged in floodwater waiting to be towed away. 

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning with winds forecast to reach more than 80mph in coastal locations along the south coast of England, with some exposed areas seeing 90mph gusts.

The expected strong wind will also bring heavy rain posing a safety risk to those visiting the coast. Lifesaving charity the RNLI, is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

RNLI SE Regional Water Safety Lead, Guy Addington said: "This rough weather could make visiting our coasts around the southeast of England treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.

"Sadly, around 150 people lose their lives accidentally in UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water. We know it can look like fun to get up close to the water’s edge and take selfies or dodge the waves, but the sea is unpredictable at the best of times, and this is much more dangerous than it looks.

"While people may want to experience extreme weather around the coast, we would strongly advise against doing so. It is not worth risking your life, so we urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.

"If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – too many people drown trying to save others."

The RNLI advice is:

• Stay well back from stormy seas and cliff edges.

• Check tide times before you go.

• Take a phone with you.

• In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.