Dorset residents are being advised to prepare for heavy rain as a weather warning has been issued by the Met Office.

Forecasters say parts of the county have already seen 30 -40 mm of rain over the space of just a few hours - making driving conditions hazardous.

The county has experienced mixed weather conditions over the previous days with some sunshine, heat and rain.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain which will be in place until 11.59pm today.

It covers Dorset and parts of surrounding Devon and Somerset, and the wider south coast.

The weather forecasters warn of 'heavy rain' which 'may cause travel disruption and flooding in some places.'

There is a possibility of 'torrential downpours' in places, with 20 to 30mm of rainfall in an hour. Some areas may experience 60mm for two or three hours, Met Office warns.

The Met Office has told us what to expect:

  • Heavy rain may cause travel disruption and flooding in some places.
  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
  • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
  • Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
  • There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Slow-moving, heavy showers, with some thunderstorms, are likely to break out during Monday afternoon.

"This may lead to torrential downpours in some places with 20 to 30 mm of rain in an hour and perhaps in excess of 60 mm in some spots in two or three hours.

"There is also a chance of more persistent heavy rain developing over parts of southeast England during the afternoon or evening and persisting into early Tuesday.

"Were this to occur there is a chance of 60 to 90 mm rain falling in a few spots."