A NEW amber alert has been issued for Dorset ahead of Storm Ciarán with winds of up to 85mph forecast.

The Met Office has stepped up its previous yellow warning for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and the rest of the county.

The warning will be in force from 6am on Thursday, November 2, until 8pm.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “On Thursday morning very strong west to southwesterly winds will develop over parts of the far south and southeast of England where gusts are likely to reach 70-80 mph in some coastal areas and may exceed 85 mph in a few of the most exposed English Channel coastal spots.

“The extent of these high winds remains a little uncertain and is dependent on the exact track of Storm Ciarán. Winds will begin to ease from the west during the afternoon. Very large waves could bring additional impacts to coastal areas, especially along the English Channel coastline.”

The Met Office said flying debris could result in a “danger to life” and damage to buildings and homes is possible, with the chance roofs could be blown off, trees fallen and power lines down.

Alongside the amber warning, a yellow alert over strong winds previously issued remains in place from 9pm on Wednesday until around midnight on Thursday.

As well as the strong winds, heavy rain is also set to sweep in with around 40 to 60mm of rainfall expected wifely with as much as 80mm of rain expected in some parts of the south west.

A yellow warning for heavy rain is in place from 6pm on Wednesday, November 1, until midnight on Thursday, November 2.