PART of Watchet's harbour wall has given way for the second time in three months - as the county prepares for ANOTHER storm this weekend.

As Storm Ciara battered Somerset on Monday night (February 10) it appears the wall, which protects the seaside town, gave way under concerted pressure from waves.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) experts were dispatched to the scene this morning (February 11) to assess the damage.

A major repair scheme is currently being drawn up after a partial collapse in December last year.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, executive member for assets at SWT, said: “The council became aware of a further collapse of the wall at Splash Point at around 8am this morning.

"Officers attended the site, and as the tide was dropping they have been able to assess the full impact of Storm Ciara.

"The temporary repair before Christmas was expected to last under normal weather and tidal conditions until the permanent solution could be put in place but with exceptionally high tides and storm force winds the remainder of the 1860’s wall has been destroyed.

"Once again, the council will work to secure the necessary machinery and materials to prevent further losses of the East Quay wall.

"We are working with the designers to see if we can move straight to delivering the permanent solution.”

Meanwhile, the country is now preparing for more bad weather, as Storm Dennis approaches.

READ MORE: People warned to stay clear of collapsed Watchet harbour wall
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The Met Office says it expects more severe weather warnings to be issued across the UK in the coming days, although Steve Ramsdale, chief meteorologist, said he did not expect Storm Dennis to be 'as severe' as Ciara.

“Another spell of very wet and windy ​weather is expected for Saturday, although Storm Dennis is currently not expected to be as severe as Ciara, disruption is still likely," he said.

"Our confidence in the forecast means we have been able to issue severe weather warnings well in advance, giving people time to prepare for potential impacts of the storm."

WEATHER: Click here for a full weather forecast

Over the weekend wind gusts will widely reach in excess of 50mph, even across some inland areas, with gusts of over 60mph possible over hills, coastal areas and exposed locations, he said, which is bad news for areas such as Watchet.

Somerset County Gazette:
The wall partially collapsed in December 2019

Somerset County Gazette:
Work was underway to repair the wall