THE worst could be yet to come after terrifying storms brought chaos to Dorset.

Winds of up to 60mph and deep floodwater brought widespread damage and disruption yesterday.

The Met Office is now warning of further horrendous conditions into the weekend.

It has issued an amber weather warning for rain until Saturday across Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

The warning, issued just before 11am today, is valid until 11pm on Saturday night.

A spokesperson said: "Further spells of heavy and persistent rain will affect southern parts of England and south Wales from Thursday afternoon until Friday morning, and again from late Friday evening until early Saturday followed by frequent heavy showers.

"Gales will accompany the rain during Saturday with severe gales likely for exposed coasts in southwest England.

"The public should be prepared for disruption due to flooding.

"Another area of low pressure will bring spells of heavy rain to southern England from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning, with 20-40 mm of rain falling widely.

"A further Atlantic frontal system will bring a band of rain quickly eastwards during Friday night and early Saturday, with the heaviest rain again likely to be across parts of southern England, followed in turn by heavy showers.

"Another 10-20 mm of rain and locally 30 mm will fall in the Amber area, leading to further flooding.

"Winds will also be a feature during Friday night and Saturday with severe gales possible around coasts in the southwest of England."

Bournemouth council has pledged to get a clean-up operation underway as soon as possible but warned river levels are set to increase on Friday and Saturday.

A spokesperson also warned the public to take care on promenades and coastal paths and urged householders to take bins in as soon as they are emptied.

Tony Williams, chief executive at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “With weather in Bournemouth predicted to continue to be very stormy over the next few days we urge residents to take extra care and allow more time for travelling. We would advise residents to especially avoid driving through any standing water, steer clear of the rivers in the town and avoid the coastline.

“We have dedicated teams of council staff working closely with emergency services, agency partners and the Environment Agency to deal with any incidents that may affect our residents.”

He said hundreds of council staff could be mobilised in various departments could be mobilised in an emergency.

“If anyone knows of any incidents such as trees fallings, flooding on the road, blocked drains or road diversions please do call us on 01202 451451,” he added.

See more weather stories, pictures and advice at bournemouthecho.co.uk/dorsetweather