THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Dorset on Sunday - in case the county is hit by the remnants of Hurricane Bertha.

If it does, heavy rain and winds gusting up to 60mph could be the result.

That would mean potentially dangerous conditions and disruption to travel said Laura Young from the Met Office in Exeter.

High spring tides this weekend combined with the high winds could produce big waves, she added.

Rainfall could reach 50mm.

The Environment Agency has put out a low risk flood warning for the whole of England and Wales on Sunday.


Dorset County Council said those planning outdoor events this weekend should be prepared.
A spokesman said: “Low-lying campsites, car parks and caravan parks may be affected by the rain and outdoor events could suffer very muddy or even waterlogged conditions.
“Beaches and other coastal areas could also be hit by large waves and, if this happens, people should stay a safe distance from the shoreline.
“Motorists are also advised to take extra care while travelling, and should heed any road closure signs.”

The Met Office Warning says: "There is the risk of severe weather during Sunday as a depression tracks over, or close to, the UK.

"At this stage there is more than average uncertainty in the forecast, but the public should be aware of the risk of heavy rain, strong winds and large waves, sufficient to disrupt transport and make outdoor activities dangerous. This is a particularly volatile situation, and this warning is likely to be changed as the event approaches.

Bournemouth Echo:

"The remains of hurricane Bertha, over the western side of the Atlantic on Thursday morning, will come steadily towards the UK. The transition from a tropical to an extra-tropical feature is a particularly hard one to forecast with confidence, and computer models continue to differ in the location and intensity of the resulting depression, which is expected to pass over, or close to, the UK from early on Sunday.

"There is the potential for widespread rainfall totals of more than 50 mm and coastal gusts of over 60 mph, along with large waves. However, the system may pass harmlessly to the south of the country. or spread heavy rain even further north, and the public are advised to keep up to date with warnings."

“There's a good deal of uncertainty about Sunday at the moment, but things will be a little clearer by tomorrow,” said Ms Young.

“It largely depends on what happens to Bertha as she heads towards the UK.”

Saturday should start bright and sunny, with cloud later in the day and rain overnight into Sunday.

Next week looks unsettled.

The Met Office said the best advice was to watch the latest forecasts and take appropriate action.

“The good news is that if there is bad weather on Sunday, it will be over fairly quickly,” said Ms Young.