A FALLEN tree blocked a major road in Christchurch this morning after strong winds and heavy rain hit Dorset once again.

The A35 bypass was closed heading towards Bournemouth at around 7.08am after a tree fell over on the stretch between the B3347 Stony Lane and the B3059 Purewell Cross Road roundabout and the High Street.

Traffic built up in the area and buses were also delayed.

The tree has been cleared and the road reopened at 8.42am.

In Westbourne, a huge branch toppled into Surrey Road. Police said it was reported at 9.45am. Officers were on the scene directing traffic.

Rather than staying indoors and waiting for council officials to clear the mess, residents Jin Prompim and Aaron Baly leapt into action and had the road cleared within half an hour.

Despite the rain, the couple said it was important to help.

Jin, 24, said: “We heard the tree fall.

“It made this deep sound, and we knew straight away what had happened. My car was parked out here and we came rushing down.”

Jin's car wasn't damaged during the incident.

However, a neighbour's Peugeot 206 was crushed by the heavy branch.

Aaron, 25, used a chainsaw to chop up the branch and drag it off the road, while Jin swept debris to the kerb.

“There were police here straight away, which was really great,” said Jin.

“We just thought we'd get on with it because it was blocking the entire road and we didn't want there to be an accident.”

Another warning for heavy rain for Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset has been issued for New Year's Day and is valid from 6am until 11.59pm.

This morning the road at Church Knowle in Purbeck was closed after fears of it collapsing in places. It was reopened following an inspection.

The warning reads: "Further rain, heavy at times is expected to spread quickly northeastwards across southwest and parts of southern England on Wednesday. Rainfall totals are expected to be widely 10-20 mm, but as much as 30-40 mm over some south facing coasts and hills. South or southwesterly gales with gusts 50-60 mph may also accompany the rain.

"With ground already saturated over much of this area, the public should be aware of the risk of further localised flooding.

A spokesperson from the Met Office said: "Another active Atlantic frontal system and deepening area of low pressure is expected to push northeastwards across the UK on Wednesday, followed by active troughs.

"A combination of strong winds and moist air will give locally significant rainfall accumulations especially over south-facing coasts and hills. The more persistent rain should clear eastwards later on Wednesday and overnight, but heavy showers will follow on.