Yellow weather warnings are in place over much of the South West but Dorset is set to escape the heaviest downpours.

Storm Gertrude will hit the west coast at around 6pm this evening sweeping heavy rain across the country.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for Devon and Cornwall with persitant rain over night and into Saturday.

Dorset will be spared much of the storm's ferocity as it blows down the country but the county will still see an unsettled night of rain.

Flood warnings remain in place over parts of the county, particularly in Wareham where river levels may rise with the rainfall.

The coming night of rain adds to the weather woes that came with Storm Jonas on Wednesday causing traffic troubles near Dorchester and Weymouth.

The West Stafford Bypass is currently closed due to flooding between Bockhampton Lane and Highgate Lane.  

More to follow.