FORECASTERS have issued a flood alert for the coastline between Lyme Regis and Christchurch.

The warning, issued earlier this evening, is in force for both high tides today.

Would-be seaside visitors are urged to avoid exposed coastal areas during the day.

Force eight gusts of wind topping 60 miles per hour are also expected in the early afternoon.

The government's flood information service reports: "Expect spray overtopping the beaches and flooding to low lying areas.

"Please avoid exposed coastal areas."

High tide in Bournemouth tomorrow will be at 12.16am and 12.25pm.

In Christchurch, it's 1.03am and 1.09pm, and in Poole, there will be three high tides at 12.25am, 12.34pm and 11.14pm.

Other areas which could see flooding include the Upper Stour, from Wincanton to Sturminster Newton, and Middle Stour, from Sturminster Newton to Wimborne.

Up to 20mm of rainfall is expected in the coming two days.

The Daily Echo reported that winds of 80mph could sweep across Dorset on Friday.

A yellow weather warning - meaning be aware - has been issued for Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of the county on Friday.

The warning is valid from 6am until just before midnight.

The warning says there is "potential for very strong winds to cross parts of England and Wales on Friday, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph in places and perhaps over 80 mph in exposed coastal areas".