FLOOD alerts have been issued ahead of heavy rain which is forecast.

The Environment Agency has issued amber flood alerts - with experts warning that flooding is possible and people should be prepared - for rivers in Weymouth, Purbeck and West Dorset.

The warnings read: 

  • Water levels in the River Wey, Preston Brook and River Jordan are expected to rise. Up to 30 mm of rainfall is forecast between 11:00 pm (local time) on 07/03/2017 and 01:00 pm (local time) on 08/03/2017.
  • Water levels in the Rivers in West Dorset including the Rivers Lim, Winniford, Char, Simene, Brit, Asker, Mangerton and Bride are expected to rise. Up to 30 mm of rainfall is forecast between 11:00 pm (local time) on 07/03/2017 and 01:00 pm (local time) on 08/03/2017.
  • Water levels in the Purbeck Rivers and streams around Corfe Castle and Swanage areas are expected to rise. Up to 30 mm of rainfall is forecast between 11:00 pm (local time) on 07/03/2017 and 01:00 pm (local time) on 08/03/2017.

The Met Office forecast for Weymouth states that heavy rain is expected from 9pm until 1pm, turning to drizzle in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the forecast states: "Wednesday will be cloudy with further outbreaks of mainly light rain and drizzle, and patchy hill fog. It will feel quite mild despite the grey weather. Maximum Temperature 14C."