DRIVERS were urged to take care on the roads this morning after heavy rain and thunderstorms across Dorset.

Somerford Road in Christchurch was reportedly ‘hazardous’ due to surface water between the Somerford/Sainsbury’s roundabout and Stanpit/Purewell Cross.

And the traffic lights at Sainsburys Somerford are now working again after they were reportedly hit by lightning this morning.

There is currently a yellow weather warning in place for heavy rain, lightning and hail until just before midnight. 

The Met Office has this morning issued a further warning for severe weather on Saturday, which is valid from 12.15am until 10am. 

The warnings for South West England include Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset.

The 'be aware' alert, which is valid from 12.15am on Friday morning until 11.45pm, says: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to spread from the south across some southern and western parts of England, and also Wales, on Thursday night - the risk then continuing through much of Friday.

“Many places will miss these but the public should be aware of the potential for isolated disruption due to surface water flooding, lightning strikes and hail."

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "A warm and humid airmass covers southern Britain at present. This is already becoming increasingly unstable and producing a few thunderstorms through Thursday, but these are expected to become more widespread overnight into Friday and extend further north into the Midlands and Wales.

"Many place will miss the worst of these - some may stay dry - but where they do occur, 20-30 mm rain may fall in a short time, leading to some surface water flooding, whilst lightning and hail may be additional hazards."

The warning for Saturday says: "Further heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to continue through Friday night and into Saturday morning, with the main risk receding eastwards to become mostly confined to the east of the yellow area by then. The public should be aware of the potential for isolated disruption due to surface water flooding and lightning strikes."