DORSET has been battered by heavy rain and ‘gale force winds’ due to Storm Evert – but will thankfully ease later today.

The county and wider South West have endured a period of unsettled weather as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind from 8pm yesterday (Thursday, July 29) until 12pm today (Friday, July 30).

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.

The weather forecasts warned of gusts of between 45 to 55mph throughout Thursday night and into Friday morning.

Charlie Powell, a weatherman for ITV, said that the Isle of Portland saw winds of 48 mph at one point during the night.

Camp Bestival, which opened to guests yesterday morning (Thursday, July 29), experienced strong winds throughout the night, leading to some sleepless nights for revellers.

Weather enthusiast, Bournemouth and Poole Weather, shared online how Storm Evert was ‘pretty much on top of us this morning’ and predicted more gusty wind.

He said: “Storm Evert pretty much on top of us this morning, squally showers and rain initially, brightening up through the morning but showers still likely.

“Winds remaining strong with gusts to 50+mph through the next few hours. Temps just 17-19C."

According to the Met Office, there will be strong winds throughout Friday morning, before decreasing into the afternoon.

A spokesman said: “Heavy rain showers, some thundery, as Storm Evert moves eastward throughout the morning.

“A continued risk of coastal gales, but winds will gradually ease through the day. Sunny spells and showers later but remaining blustery.

“Maximum temperature 20 °C.”

A broad look at Met Office’s weather forecast shows that wind guests will reach as high as 46mph at 11am, before gradually easing over lunchtime and Friday afternoon.

Travel Dorset warned residents to ‘take care out and about today’ and report any flooding or fallen trees to them.