Draft severe weather plan following storm flooding

A severe weather plan has been drawn up following widespread flooding in a village that was hit by Storm Chandra.

Charminster, just outside of Dorchester, is still surrounded by water after the River Cerne in Dorset burst its banks.

The village's parish council produced a plan with advice on what to do before, during and after severe weather following a meeting on Tuesday.

It includes the council liaising with Dorset Council and the Environment Agency, as well as carrying out neighbour checks.

Flooding and severe winter weather - including, snow, ice, prolonged cold, and power cuts - are the two likely emergencies the plan highlights.

The council said it also hoped it could help local residents support each other, with one section titled Flooding Community Self-help.

Before flooding:

• Sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts
• Prepare household flood plans and emergency kits
• Know local flood risk areas and safe routes

During flooding:

• Move valuables upstairs and use flood protection if available
• Avoid floodwater at all times
• Check on neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable residents
• Share clear, verified information only

After flooding:

• Community support for clean‑up where safe
• Welfare checks on affected households
• Signpost residents to Dorset Council and insurance support

The plan has not yet been approved, but if it is the parish council said it would review it annually or after an emergency.

Residents said the flooding following Storm Chandra was the worst they had seen in the village.

Before the parish council meeting on Tuesday, a group held a meeting to discuss future developments being built in areas already affected by flooding.