WINDS up to 55mph and heavy rain could bring disruption to Dorset, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather alert has been issued for later this week and will be in force between 3am and 8pm on Friday.

The Met Office says some places could see winds of 45 to 55mph and as much as 40 to 50mm of rainfall over the course of 12 to 18 hours.

The warning covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and the rest of the county.

The weather system has been named Storm Alex by the French national meteorological service, Météo-France.

A spokesperson for the Met Office says: “Rain and showers overnight Thursday into Friday will turn heavier and more persistent during Friday morning, along with a strengthening east to north easterly wind.

"Some places could receive 40-50 mm over the course of 12-18 hours, most likely in the south of this region, combined with gusts of 45-55mph inland during Friday morning rush hour."

The spokesperson added: “The combination of wind and rain, combined with trees losing their leaves, increases the risk of flooding due to blocked drains and watercourses. The wind and rain will ease from the south later on Friday, as the weather system responsible starts to move away.”

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

  • Flooding of a few homes and businesses in urbanised areas is likely
  • Spray and flooding on roads will make for dangerous driving conditions resulting in longer journey times.
  • It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
  • Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
  • Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely