A YELLOW warning for strong winds has been issued for Dorset.

With rain hammering the county overnight and the winds picking up, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for today. The warning is in force until 8pm tonight.

The chief forecaster said: “Westerly gales will start to affect the Isles of Scilly and the far south of Cornwall early on Monday morning, before moving further north and east across other parts of southwest England and southern coastal counties during the rest of the day.

“Gusts of 45-55 mph are likely in some places, perhaps touching 60 to 65 mph across exposed coasts and hills.”

He added: “Gusts will be particularly strong near to heavy showers, and may be enough to cause some damage to trees which are still in full leaf.”