Yellow warning for heavy rain today

Residents across Weymouth and Portland are being urged to prepare for wet and potentially disruptive weather after a yellow warning for heavy rain was issued for Dorset and much of the South West.

The warning, in place from midday until midnight, warns that heavy rain could lead to surface water flooding, travel disruption and possible power interruptions.

Forecasters say bands of rain and heavy showers will move east during the afternoon and evening, bringing around 10 to 15mm of rain widely, with some exposed areas seeing as much as 20 to 30mm due to strong south to south-easterly winds.

Drivers are being warned to expect difficult conditions on roads, with spray and standing water likely to slow journeys. Bus and rail services may also be affected, particularly during peak travel times, with longer journey times expected.

The unsettled weather is expected to clear later on Monday night as the rain moves away eastwards, although residents are advised to remain cautious while the warning remains in place.