Dorset was mopping up today after the county took a battering from the elements which brought flood disruption.

Areas around Weymouth Harbour were left underwater after high spring tides coincided with bouts of heavy rain and strong winds.

Meanwhile, coastal communities in west Dorset were put on standby as huge waves pounded beaches and harbour walls.

At West Bay, the River Brit burst its banks leading to flooding.

There was not a huge amount of disruption on the roads reported, although a tree was brought down in the Netherbury area of west Dorset.

Authorities warned motorists to drive safely due to a large amount of standing water on the roads.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for a large part of the county for Saturday and Sunday, cautioning residents and visitors to expect disruption.

Weymouth Harbour was put on a flood alert (which means that flooding is possible and people should be prepared), and parts of the town, including stretches of Commercial Road and the area surrounding the Town Bridge, ended up waterlogged. Strong, howling winds tore through the town at the same time.

Cllr Jon Orrell said that the issue of flooding in Weymouth needs to be addressed further due to climate change.

Work is underway today to strengthen part of the harbour wall near the Pavilion but it is claimed the town needs major works to prevent damaging flooding in the future. 

Cllr Orrell said: "Future flooding is a massive issue for Weymouth. It's true we've always had some areas flooded. The impact of climate chaos means that it will become worse. A start has been made on harbour walls but we need a substantial government and Environment Agency scheme all round the inner harbour and along the Esplanade."

As part of the yellow weather warning, the Met Office advised people that buildings and roads could be flooded, public transport could be delayed and power could be disrupted.

The office advised that people driving on flooded roads should drive slowly through deep water and not stop. After clearing it, drivers should test their brakes by lightly tapping them while moving. They also urged drivers to be extra cautious around cyclists and bikers, as the high winds may blow them around.

The Met Office's yellow weather warning has now been lifted for the Dorset area. This week will see cloudy weather with the odd spell of rain.