One of Britain's most iconic coastal stretches, West Bay in Dorset, has been hit by a major rockfall as Storm Ciaran batters the southern coast. The 100ft-wide section of the 150ft sandstone cliffs collapsed onto the beach, made famous by the ITV drama Broadchurch. The rockfall, estimated to weigh over 300 tonnes, occurred after the area experienced 30ft waves, strong winds, and torrential rain caused by the storm.

The aftermath of the rockfall was discovered at dawn today, revealing a 40ft-tall pile of debris on the empty beach. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of the cliffs, prompting geologist Richard Edmonds to warn people to exercise caution and avoid the area for the next few weeks. He emphasized that rockfalls are natural processes that contribute to the cliffs' beauty but also make them dangerous.

The rockfall comes as southern England has been put on alert for more heavy rain and flooding. The Met Office issued a 19-hour weather warning covering several regions, including south London, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Although Storm Ciaran has moved into the North Sea, Scotland and southern England are still experiencing heavy rain.

As a result of the storm, more than 340 areas across Britain are now on flood watch. The Environment Agency has issued 90 flood warnings and 237 flood alerts across England, while Wales has seven flood alerts and Scotland has six. Floods Minister Rebecca Pow has urged the public to remain cautious, as river levels are still high, coastal areas face large waves, and the ground remains saturated.

The impact of the storm is not limited to coastal areas, as disruptions in transportation networks occur across the UK. Great Western Railway (GWR) in Devon and Cornwall has faced significant delays and cancellations, while LNER, the main train operator on the East Coast Main Line, has advised passengers not to travel until Sunday due to power supply failures.

The storm has also caused power outages, with 146,000 homes left without electricity. Although some have been reconnected, around 600 properties still await restoration. The AA, which rescued 84 customers stranded in floods, warns of travel disruptions caused by the storm.

In response to the severe weather conditions, authorities and emergency services are working diligently to support affected areas. Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council in Northern Ireland are coordinating flood recovery operations, while in Dorset, firefighters evacuated 70 people from Freshwater Holiday Park in Burton Bradstock.

The impact of Storm Ciaran on West Bay in Dorset serves as a reminder of the immense power of nature. As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, it is crucial for residents and visitors to heed warnings, prioritize safety, and support those affected by the storm.