A severe weather warning for wind and rain has been issued, with the possibilty for some snow.

The Met Office is warning drivers to expect persisten heavy rain and widespread gales from 1am until mid afternoon on Wednesday.

See the predicted winds here

The warning reads: "Persistent rain, heavy at times, is expected from the early hours of Wednesday, continuing during the morning before slowly easing in the afternoon.

"Accompanied by windy conditions, this rain is likely to produce some flooding and difficult driving conditions.

"Some sleet and snow is also likely in places, mainly on higher ground, though temporary snowfall accumulations of 1-2 cm are also possible at low levels.

Bournemouth Echo:

The predicted band of rain at 3am tomorrow

"Please be aware of the risk of localised flooding and disruption to transport.

"Widespread rainfall accumulations of 20 to 30 mm are expected, and very locally 50 to 60 mm could fall.

"Any snowfall amounts at low levels are very uncertain and will be very much dependent on precipitation rates, readily turning back to rain as intensities ease.

"Widespread gales, and severe gales in more exposed areas, are expected to develop during the early hours of bringing gusts of 50-60 mph to some inland areas.

"Please be aware of the risk of disruption to transport and possible disruption to power supplies, as well as high waves overtopping some coastal routes."

Winds in Bournemouth and Poole are forecast for about 30mph, with gusts of up to 50mph.

The wind and rain will be strongest in the early hours of the morning and around lunchtime, with the weather easing off temporarily at about 9am.

Brittany Ferries this morning tweeted that Wednesday's 8.30am service from Poole to Cherbourg has been cancelled.