Dorset is preparing to be battered by rain and wind today.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning – meaning be aware – for areas including south and west Dorset.

The warning is in place from 1pm until midnight.

It warns of a spell of heavy rain and strong winds.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “A band of heavy rain is expected to move east during Friday with widely 15-25 mm of rain falling and perhaps 50 mm over higher ground. This will be in addition to other spells of heavy rain earlier in the week affecting a similar area. Rain will be accompanied by strong winds with gusts of 50 mph possible inland and perhaps 60 mph around some coasts.”

The Met Office has told residents to expect:

• A few homes and businesses flooded.

• Spray and flooding on roads, which will make journey times longer.

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.

• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

• Some short-term loss of power and other services.

• Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities affected by spray and / or large waves.

South Western Railway said a blanket speed restriction may have to be imposed between Southampton and Weymouth due to high winds.

This will mean journey times will be longer and some services may be delayed. 

A number of flood warnings have also been issued for south and west Dorset this evening.

Flood warnings:

Flood warnings are in place for Preston Beach, Lyme Regis Harbour and West Bay Harbour this evening.

The flood warning for West Bay has been issued for 7.30pm. The forecast wind direction is Southerly, Force 9. The public are being advised to stay away from East Beach, The Esplanade and the Harbour.

The flood warning for Lyme Regis Harbour has been issued for 7.30pm. The forecast wind direction is Southerly, Force 9. The public are being advised to stay away from the harbour area as the combination of large waves and very strong, gale force winds will be extremely dangerous.

The flood warning for Preston Beach has been issued for 7.45pm. The forecast wind direction is Southerly, Force 9. The public are being advised to stay from the Preston Beach Road area as the combination of large waves and very strong gale force winds will be extremely dangerous.