IT has been just a year since Storm Eunice brought destruction and disruption to Dorset.

February 18 marks a year since 90mph winds caused by Storm Eunice hit the county.

Fallen trees caused travel disruption and waves to crash against the Cobb in Lyme Regis, as Storm Eunice hits the south coast, with attractions closing, travel disruption and a major incident declared in some areas, meaning people were warned to stay indoors.

In Weymouth the Riviera Hotel was left with no running water after a roof collapsed as powerful winds hit the county.

The roof of the ballroom caved in and crashed on top of a water pipe, leaving the hotel without any running water.

Dorset Echo:

Picture: Graham Hunt Photography

Elsewhere, a van rolled over onto its side after it veered off the A37 near Frampton, with debris and the contents of the van strewn along the verge.

The driver had a lucky escape as police said there were no reports of any injuries.

A rare red weather warning was issued by the Met Office due to the combination of high tides, strong winds and storm surge.

Storm Eunice brought 90mph winds, tearing down trees, blowing vehicles off roads, ripping off roofs, blocking highways and railways, and plunging communities into darkness.

Authorities said the storm looked like being the most significant to hit the south of England in decades.

Schools closed following severe weather warnings and many people chose to stay at home and work after advice not to travel.

Communities were on standby as huge waves battered the coast and there was a warning that Portland Beach Road could close due to expected tidal swells which threatened flooding.

The disruption unfolded after south and west Dorset were issued with an amber wind warning and east Dorset and Purbeck issued with a red amber warning for much of the day.

More than 300 emergency calls were received by fire control during the day, with many reporting fallen trees, fallen power cables and building damage.

In Wareham, crews raced to help a man who became trapped under a 40ft tree which had fallen. 

Hundreds of households and businesses all across the county were left without power as several outages were reported by Scottish and Southern Electricity networks.