Residents and visitors could be hit by power cuts and flooded roads as Dorset prepares for heavy showers and thunderstorms.

The Met Office has released a yellow, meaning be aware, warning for rain this bank holiday weekend.

It is in force between 6am on Saturday (26) until 11.59pm on Sunday (27).

A Met Office spokesman said: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."

Drivers have been warned conditions could be difficult and lead to some road closures and there is a small chance some communities could become cut off by flooded roads.

The Met Office's chief forecaster said: "Isolated thunderstorms later this afternoon and early evening could give as much as 20 to 30 mm of rain in an hour before slowly dying out during the late evening.

"As is often the case when thunderstorms are forecast, many areas will miss the storms. However where they do occur, torrential rain is quite likely, and with hail in a few places."