Storm Barbara: Heavy rain and travel disruption expected in Dorset as Met Office issues weather warning

Dorset has seen a mixture of sunshine and overcast weather in recent days, but this is set to be brought to a halt with heavy rain overnight. 

The weather forecaster has issued a yellow weather alert for rain, which will be in place from 3am until 2pm on Wednesday (October 21).

This weather warning covers the entirely of Dorset as well as neighbouring Devon, Hampshire as well as some parts of Wiltshire and Somerset. 

The Met Office describes the warning as "heavy rain is likely to lead to some disruption to travel".

The weather alert warns that the rain could also cause some flooding, with a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded.

The Met Office weather warning for rain will be in place between 3am and 2pm on Wednesday (October 21). Picture: Met Office

In areas where there is flooding, there is also a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

A spokesman for Met Office said: Heavy rain will move north during the early hours of the morning and persist through the peak morning travel period, before clearing northeastwards.

"10-15 mm of rain will fall widely, with as much as 30 to 50 mm in a few locations. With much of this falling in a short period, around three to six hours, some surface-water flooding is likely in places, leading to disruption to travel.

"The rain may be accompanied by gales across parts of southeast England, perhaps most likely towards the Kent and Sussex coasts."

What to do when travelling in rain and strong winds

The Met Office advises people to 'take care' when travelling in heavy rain and also issued the following advice about driving in storms, rain and strong wind.

• Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’.
• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears.
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding.
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced.
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake.
• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways.
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front.
• Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

What to do when the road is flooded

• If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don’t drown.
• Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.
• Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.
• Never drive through flood water. Turn around.
• Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians
• Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.