Dorset has been drenched by torrential and thundery rain - and the county saw almost a month's worth of rainfall yesterday.

A yellow weather warning is in place according to the Met Office, as a 'deep area of low pressure' brings heavy downpours to much of England and Wales.

According to weather readings taken by expert Roger Willis, 42.7 mms of rain fell yesterday - almost a month's worth.

Travel is affected across the county - and seaborne vessels are no exception. A cruise ship - the Crown Princess, owned by Princess Cruises - was unable to make its scheduled call into Portland Port this morning due to adverse weather conditions, a spokesman for the port said. 

Neil Armstrong, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said that spells of heavy rain and strong winds are forecast - with up to 70mm of rain falling in some spots. "The heavy rain will be accompanied by hail, thunderstorms and gusty winds, leading to flooding and difficult driving conditions,” he added.

Driving conditions will be hazardous - the A35 is partially blocked due to flooding between the B3159 Winterbourne Abbas and A37 Monkey's Jump roundabout near Dorchester: drivers are being warned to approach with care.

Flooding is affecting High East Street in Dorchester and scattered thunderstorms are being reported in north Dorset.

Near Dorchester, flooding on the B3150 Bridport Road is causing slow traffic iin both directions between B3143 Kings Road to Hawthorne Road.

Heavy rain and strong winds will continue tonight, with gales affecting coastal areas. The wind and rain will ease a little late in the night.