THUNDERSTORMS could hit Dorset this weekend with potential for flash flooding and disruption across the county.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

The warning comes into effect at 4am on Sunday, October 23, and is currently due to run through until 5am on Monday, October 24.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “A band of heavy rain will move northwards through Sunday morning, followed by scattered heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon.

“Further heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible during Sunday evening and night, particularly across eastern parts of England, easing later. 10 to 20 millimetres of rain is likely in one to three hours in many areas, with 30 millimetres in a few places through the morning.

“However, where thunderstorms occur during the afternoon, evening and overnight, there is a small chance of 20 to 30 millimetres falling within an hour and as much as 60 millimetres in two to three hours, along with lightning and a chance of gusty winds and hail, this most likely across eastern parts of England.”

All of Dorset is included in the warning, which will be in force for a large area of England and part of Wales.

The Met Office has warned that the heavy rain and thunderstorms could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly.