Scaffolding and trees have fallen down, brick walls have been destroyed and a shed and a trampoline have been blown away as devastating winds ripped through the county. 

Parked cars on Dorset Street in Blandford were trapped under scaffolding, which came down due to strong winds forecast by the Met Office in a yellow weather warning.

Multiple trees came down on train lines between Weymouth and Brockenhurst causing disruption to services earlier. 

Elsewhere, a tree fell and was blocking the A35 between the A37 Monkey's Jump Roundabout and Winterbourne Abbas. This has now been cleared.

A tree also came down overnight on Culliford Road in Dorchester. Rugby fans reported having to climb over it to get to the pub for kick-off for yesterday's World Cup final.

Dorset Echo: Culliford Road in Dorchester Picture: Martin AnsellCulliford Road in Dorchester Picture: Martin Ansell

Dorset Council reported trees blocking roads at several locations across the county, including the A37 Long Ash Lane, A353 Poxwell, White Sheet Hill, Beaminster, Drury Lane Beaminster and several areas on the Coast Road between Weymouth and Bridport

There were dramatic scenes at Portland Bill earlier as strong winds caused huge waves to crash against the rocks.

A resident at Park Estate Road on Portland snapped a picture of an upside down trampoline which had been blown out of a garden. Elsewhere, a shed was blown onto the main road through Harmans Cross in Purbeck. Police were called to the scene and the road is now clear. 

Gusts of up to 70mph have been reported widely across the county.

Dorset Council has advised residents to report debris on the road, branches, or a fallen tree by calling Dorset Highways on 01305 221020.

If there is an emergency, call 999.

Weather warning

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds between 4am and 6pm yesterday meaning that people should prepare for travel disruption.

Residents have been told there could be a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris and buildings could also be damaged.

Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely and some bus and train services could be affected, with some journeys taking longer.

The Met Office also warned that periods of power loss and failure of other services, such as mobile phone coverage, is also possible.

Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

Residents in coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves caused by the high winds.

Flood warnings and 'risk to life'

The local authority was warning of a risk to life along the coas.

There were flood warnings in place for Lyme Regis, West Bay and PrestonBeach.

The highways team from Dorset Council were monitoring Preston Beach in case there was a need to close the road if there was a danger from flying pebbles and spray.

Although flooding at Chesil is unlikely, both the Environment Agency and the council will watch to see if this changes.

The forecast for winds on the coast iwas from gale force eight up to severe gale force nine or ten.

Dorset Council asked people to stay away from exposed cliffs.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We want residents and visitors to stay safe and well. With winds this strong there is a possibility of risk to life along the coast.”

Inland the wind is not expected to be as strong, up to 65mph, but this may cause some travel disruption with trees still in leaf there is a possibility of blocked roads and rail lines. Tress may also take down power lines in places.

Drivers are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel.

Road users are advised to take extra care when travelling and consider whether their journey is necessary before setting out, particularly if they are driving a high-sided vehicle or they are travelling via a major bridge.

If the journey is essential, drivers should allow plenty of extra time and check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before setting out.

Any events planned for  the weekend may have to be postponed due to the weather. So, check with the organisers before you travel.