A YELLOW warning for wind has been extended as Dorset prepares to be battered by gales for 30 hours.

Yesterday, the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind in Dorset which was scheduled to begin at 6pm this evening.

Today, the weather forecaster has predicted the gales, which could reach up to 60mph, will begin sooner than expected, and the warning will come into force at 3pm. It will last for 30 hours and end at 9pm tomorrow.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Windy weather may lead to some travel disruption and, perhaps, damage to temporary outdoor structures.

"The windiest conditions will start to affect south Wales and southwest England Thursday late afternoon and evening before spreading across southern England Thursday night and early Friday.

"Inland, gusts up to 45 to 50 mph are expected at times whilst over coasts and hills gusts will reach as much as 55 to 60 mph. These high winds then slowly ease from the west during Friday."

Residents are warned some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely and some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.