A storm set to hit Dorset tonight has been named as the county braces itself for heavy rain and ‘gale force winds’ ahead of a period of unsettled weather.

Storm Evert is forecast to hit Dorset and a yellow weather warning for wind will be in place from 8pm tonight (Thursday, July 29) until 12pm on Friday (July 30).

The weather warning is described as ‘an area of strong to gale force winds are possible and may cause damage to infrastructure and lead to travel disruption.’

The weather alert covers a southern section of Dorset, covering key towns such as Bridport, Dorchester, Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford, Weymouth. A number of key county routes, namely the A31, A35, A37 and A354 are covered by the wind alert.

A spokesman for the MetOffice said: "Storm Evert will bring a spell of windy weather with coastal gales into southern parts of England and Wales during Thursday evening onwards through the night into Friday morning.

"Gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected quite widely with a chance of gusts of 60 to 65 mph in the most exposed coastal spots.

"Parts of Cornwall and Wales will see the highest gusts. Winds will then ease from the west during Friday morning. Showery rain will accompany these high winds at times, some of this rain heavy."

The weather warning warns of a ‘small chance’ of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected by weather, while there is a possibility roads could shut.

What to expect according to Met Office

  • Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible
  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. There may also be some fallen trees and damage to temporary outdoor structures is possible
  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible
  • Some roads and bridges may close
  • Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties