Storm Barra causes havoc across Dorset and Hampshire

STORM Barra delivered a battering to coastal towns and villages with huge waves and high tides causing flooding in Christchurch, Milford, and Lymington.

At Lymington's Town Quay flood barriers proved largely effective at keeping businesses from being deluged by the surge caused by the chaotic weather.

But Christchurch was not so lucky with shop owners in Stanpit having to don wellies to mop out their stores when the flood waters poured in.

At Mudeford Quay there were dramatic scenes with massive waves bashing the sea walls, putting parts of the car park under water and lapping around the door of Highcliffe Sailing Club.

The Quomps in Christchurch almost completely disappeared under water after the River Avon burst its banks, while in Milford the crabbing bridge at Keyhaven also vanished after being swamped by high tides.

The coastal path linking Hurst Spit from Keyhaven was completely flooded.

A yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office on Tuesday warning that gales of up to 80mph were due to sweep across Dorset and Hampshire, thanks to Storm Barra.

The storm did not disappoint with howling winds along with torrential downpours wreaking havoc on local communities with shops, roads and car parks flooded.

A warning from the environment agency said that it was closing flood gates in Dorset and Hampshire and that incident response teams were also checking other defences.

It told people: “Please be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could be dangerous."

Network Rail battled to keep trains running on time as it dealt with downed trees and even a child’s trampoline that had been blown onto a line.

Lymington Town Pier was shut as water being blown onto the line could have shorted out the live rail.

Wightlink cancelled ferries to the Isle of Wight and was later running a delayed service.