Published on Thursday 29 January 2026
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council is asking residents to remain vigilant today (Thursday 29 January) as flooding following Storm Chandra continues to affect the area.
Flood warnings remain in place for the Lower Stour with further heavy rain forecast to arrive in the area this evening. Some properties remain at risk of flooding.
Yesterday (Wednesday 28 January) saw flood water affect highway routes in and out of the BCP area, with significant congestion seen on the Wessex Way causing long journey times for residents.
The council is advising people to only make essential journeys, and not to walk, cycle or drive through flood water.
If travelling is essential, residents should allow extra time for journeys and be alert to the possibility of roads being flooded and possible diversions.
Although the picture across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is showing some improvement, teams across the council are working closely with partners at Iford Bridge Home Park, Redhill and Wheatplot Homes Sites to make sure BCP residents affected by flooding remain safe and supported.
BCP Council’s work has included transporting people away from their flooded homes, operating a nearby rest and reception centre, and providing overnight security at Iford due to the number of empty properties.
This approach continues the council’s close work with partners including the Environment Agency, Wessex Flood Rescue, Dorset Police, British Red Cross and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to engage with, evacuate and assist people at risk over the last few days.
Across the wider area, BCP Council’s highways teams managed a significant number of road closures last night, and are back out again today - securing roads, clearing debris where they can, and supporting communities affected by the flooding.
This is in addition to regular, planned maintenance throughout the year, including gully emptying and clearing ditches, soakaways and pipes.
BCP Council will continue to update residents over the next few days.