Weather and flood warnings have been issued ahead of heavy rain which is expected to hit Dorset this week. 

The Met Office has released a yellow 'be aware' warning, covering west Dorset, which will be in place from just after midnight until 12pm tomorrow. 

A Met Office forecaster says heavy rain will develop over parts of south west England into the early hours of tomorrow, easing later on in the morning.

15-25 mm of rain is expected widely with totals of 40-60 mm over some hills.

There could be "intense bursts of rain" as well as autumn leaf fall blocking drains.

A further warning for rain and wind been issued for Friday between 9am and 9pm. 

Heavy rain is expected to move east during the day, and will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 50 mph possible inland and possibly 60 mph around some coasts.

The warning covers the whole of Dorset. 

Residents are urged to be aware that bus and train services could be affected and journey times might take longer. Spray and flooding on roads is also likely to lengthen travel times.

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for Wednesday, meaning flooding is expected, for Preston Beach, West Bay Harbour, Lyme Regis Harbour and Poole Harbour at the Town Quay. 

It has issued further flood alerts for Wednesday, meaning flooding is possible, for Weymouth Harbour and the West coast of Dorset, as well as other locations in eastern Dorset.