Councils across Dorset and the BCP area say they are prepared for challenging weather conditions.
They have teams focused on keeping roads safe and supporting vulnerable people as conditions worsen, with a flood alert issued by the Environment Agency for Poole Harbour from 9:00pm on Thursday 8th January to 1:00am on Friday 9th January.
Dorset Council has around 100 staff ready over the next 36 hours to grit main routes, respond to flooding and deal with fallen trees as strong winds, heavy rain and a brief wintry spell affect the county.
Gritting will be timed to when road surface temperatures are most likely to fall, with A roads treated as the first priority, as prolonged rain can reduce the effectiveness of early salting.
At the same time, BCP Council has confirmed that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol remains active due to the current conditions, triggering extra support for people sleeping rough across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Under the protocol, the Homelessness Partnership, which includes the council and homelessness charity St Mungo’s, will offer emergency accommodation to anyone sleeping rough, as the scheme is designed to reduce the risk of serious harm or loss of life during severe weather.
Residents concerned about someone sleeping rough are being encouraged to contact outreach teams so support can be provided as quickly as possible.
Both councils say they will continue to monitor forecasts closely, adjust their response as needed, and are urging people to take care if travelling, particularly overnight when conditions are expected to be at their most difficult.
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