Residents are being warned to expect high winds as the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo sweep in tonight and tomorrow.

Dorset will see showers and gales overnight, with wind speeds of more than 30 mph.

Tomorrow is forecast to be largely sunny with temperatures up to 15 degrees and winds of around 28mph.

The Met Office has said that across the South West the strong winds are likely to hit after the rain clears, as the winds veer north-westerly through Tuesday morning.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for much of the UK, but it does not cover Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. The bottom of the yellow warning will cut across the UK taking in Bristol, Oxford and Colchester.

Gale gusts of up to 80mph could hit coastal areas in Scotland.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “The remains of Hurricane Gonzalo are running across the Atlantic, reaching the UK on Monday night, bringing a period of strong winds to the UK. “The strongest winds are expected on Tuesday as the low pressure clears eastwards - some uncertainty remains in peak wind speeds but there remains the potential for disruption to travel, especially as the strongest winds coincide with the morning rush hour in places.

“Fallen leaves impeding drainage increases the risk of surface water affecting roads, while some damage to trees is possible, given that many are still in full leaf.”

He added: “The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees. Difficult driving conditions will result, perhaps exacerbated by surface water and spray in places.”

The AA has issued advice to anyone travelling during rush hour tomorrow in the gale force conditions.

John Seymour, national manager of the AA’s severe weather team, says: “It’s going to be a bit of a grotty morning on the roads with the combination of heavy rain and strong winds creating some difficult driving conditions.

“Although heavy, the rain is expected to pass through fairly quickly, so strong gusts are likely to present a greater hazard than flooding.”

She added: “If you see twigs or small branches on the road there could easily be a tree or large branch in the road around the next bend. Hitting debris like this at speed could be very serious, so it’s important to keep your speed down and drive with care, particularly on rural roads early tomorrow morning.

“Trees can partially fall too and hang above the road, sometimes above the sweep of the headlights making them very difficult to spot.

“Your car can be buffeted around in strong gusts, so keep your distance from all other vehicles and take particular care around cyclists, motorcyclists and horse-riders.”