SOUTH and west Dorset appears to have avoided major flooding problems overnight after being battered by torrential rain.

The county was hit by a deluge in the early hours and there were loud thunder cracks as a storm swept in. More thundery showers are expected as a weather warning remains in place but there will be sunny spells in Weymouth and Portland later this afternoon.

It came after an amber warning for rain was issued by the Met Office.

The warning is still in place for the South West, including Dorset, but thundery showers are moving northwards.

North Dorset has seen heavy bouts of rain today and a hail storm.

Flooding has affected the A350 between Blandford and Poole but the road is said to be passable.

No other problems are reported on main routes although there is surface water on the roads and drivers are urged to take care.

Rail passengers on the Weymouth-Bristol line faced disruption earlier as flooding blocked lines between Westbury and Bath Spa.

Bath-bound lines are now open but services are being delayed.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset Police said they had not responded to any weather-related incidents in the west of the county.

But a fire service spokesman said: "Roads are particularly wet today after the rain.

"Be aware of standing water and make sure you drive to conditions."

More showers, thundery at times, are expected today and it will remain warm and muggy.

Organisers of the Jurassic Rocks music festival on Portland say the weather has not affected the event and the ground remains good.

Gates open at the Grove playing fields at 9am and the first band is on at 10.30am.

For more information see jurassicrocks.com

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