The county has been put on high alert as it prepares for Storm Isha, with up to 24 hours of heavy rain expected over the weekend.

A yellow weather warning for rain was issued by the Met Office, which could mean that flooding is likely across Dorset. 

The warning is in place from 6am on Sunday, January 21 until 6am on Monday, January 22.

It comes after a yellow warning for wind was issued that could see gusts of up to 70mph hit coastal areas. The wind warning is in place from 6am until midnight on Sunday, January 21.

Travel services could also be impacted by the weather conditions, with South Western Railway confirming that disruption is expected across the whole railway until 12pm on Monday, January 22.

This means that trains may be running at slower speeds, with customers needing to plan ahead accordingly.  


For further information or onward travel advice please speak to a member of staff or use a station help point.

Roads could also close due to the strong winds and possible flooding.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Road users in the south west of England are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling between 6pm on Sunday, January 21 9am on Monday, January 22 as strong winds are forecast.”

Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said: “Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England.

“In these regions we could see gusts frequently between 50-60mph and even up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations. As the storm starts to move away on Monday morning very strong winds will also develop in the far southeast of England, bringing the risk of 70-80mph gusts here too in the early hours of Monday morning.

“Storm Isha will bring a disruptive spell of weather to the UK with strong winds across the whole country. Heavy rain will cause additional hazards, particularly in the west. A number of severe weather warnings for rain have also been issued. Keep up to date with the Met Office warnings and pay close attention to guidance from your local authority.”

Here is your weekend weather update for Weymouth, Dorchester and Portland:

Weymouth:

Saturday: Cloudy changing to heavy rain by night time. Highs of 7C.

Sunday: Yellow Wind Warning. Cloudy changing to rain by night time. Highs of 12C.

Monday: Yellow Wind Warning. Highs of 11C.

Dorchester:

Saturday: Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. Highs of 7C.

Sunday: Yellow Wind Warning. Cloudy changing to rain by night time. Highs of 11C.

Monday: Yellow Wind Warning. Highs of 10C.

Portland:

Saturday: Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. Highs of 6C.

Sunday: Yellow Wind Warning. Cloudy changing to rain by night time. Highs of 11C.

Monday: Yellow Wind Warning. Highs of 10C.