SEVERE weather - including heavy rain, gale-force winds and high tides - have struck across Dorset.

A section of the Weymouth to Portland causeway was flooded, reducing traffic to single file, and parts of the Preston beach road were also underwater.

Several roads across the county were blocked by falling trees, police said.

Drivers reported a fallen tree in Bridport Road, Dorchester, and a heavy branch lying across Watery Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, which stopped traffic flow.

A large tree also caused a road blockage near the Texaco garage in Burton Bradstock.

Uprooted trees caused traffic problems in Uplyme Road, Lyme Regis, and Yellow Lane, Beaminster, where a telegraph pole had also been knocked down.

Heavy rain led to flooding outside the Three Horseshoes pub, Mill Street, Burton Bradstock, said police.

Environment Agency area controller Brian Richards said: "There are flood warnings in place for Chiswell and Christchurch.

"We have had 50mph winds and high tides which have resulted in a lot of water in certain areas across the county. We will continue to monitor the situation in the affected areas."

The Met office has issued warnings of severe weather for Dorset today, with strong southerly winds gusting from 60 to 70mph along exposed parts of the coast and 50 to 60mph inland.

Torrential downpours will lead to dangerous driving conditions, say weathermen.

Heavy and sometimes prolonged rain will push in from the South West during the rest of today with more than 25mm of rain likely in some parts.

As much as 50-75mm can be expected across some south-facing coasts and hills and further flooding is expected.

Weymouth and Portland weather observer Bob Poots said: "The ground is not holding any more water, so if we do get heavy rains there could be problems.

"We will have to rely on the water running off into drains and storm drains."