FLOOD alerts are in place across Dorset as the county is battered by strong winds and rain.

The alert has been issued by the Environment Agency (EA) which has warned that flooding is 'possible' along the western Dorset coastline.

The flood alert area includes Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, West Bay, Bothenhampton, Burton Freshwater, Burton Bradstock, Cogden Beach, Chesil Beach, West Fleet, East Fleet and Chiswell.

Another alert is also in place for rivers and streams in west Dorset including the Rivers Lim, Char, Winniford, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride.

People should avoid using low-lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding, the EA said.

The at-risk times are forecast to be between 5pm and 8pm this evening, it added. 

Dorset is being affected by blustery weather and is currently under a yellow Met Office weather warning for strong winds. 

"Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions," said the EA. 

"Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one."

The adverse weather conditions have also forced an extended closure of a north Dorset road after a tree fell.

Dinah's Hollow, in the village of Melbury Abbas, near Shaftesbury, was planned to be reopened tomorrow (Thursday, April 13) following some survey work.

But due to the high winds causing a tree to fall on private land, a diversion will remain in place before the tree is made safe tomorrow.

"Due to high winds a tree on private land at Dinah’s Hollow has become a danger to highway users," Dorset Council said.

"Therefore, we cannot reopen the road today as planned. Diversion will remain overnight until the tree is made safe tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience."

The Met Office says that a 'swathe of strong winds' will potentially bring some disruption to the south west today.

Some delays to public transport are likely, while some short term loss of power is possible, meteorologists predict.

Drivers of high-sided vehicles on exposed routes are being asked to take care during the windy weather, while coastal areas and seafronts will be affected by spray and large waves. 

More tips about staying safe in the wind can be found on the Met Office's website here.