"Exceptionally torrential rain" could be heading for Dorset, the Met Office is warning.

A yellow weather warning - meaning be aware - was issued by the Met Office on Thursday for heavy rain and strong winds.

The alert, which covers the whole of Dorset, was originally in force between 5am and 7pm. 

It is now valid between 1.20pm and 7pm. 

The warning says: "This is an update to the warning for wind and rain issued yesterday to include the risk of some exceptionally torrential rain.

"A spell of heavy rain and strong winds could lead to difficult travel conditions, as the summer holiday season starts for some. Standing water and spray may make journeys longer, and could lead to local flash flooding.

"Winds could be sufficiently strong to cause some bridge restrictions, and bring down trees very locally.

"Conditions could also be hazardous for those engaged in outdoor activities.

The Chief Forecaster said: "Winds will increase to bring gusts of around 40 mph inland and 50 mph on coasts for a period of a couple of hours as a squally band of rain approaches.

"Locally gusts could be 10 mph or so stronger, especially on headlands. After a brief spell of torrential rain, winds will decrease - this happening during the morning over Cornwall but not till evening in the east of the area.

"Around 10-20 mm of rain will fall in a short time, with the risk of 60 mm in an hour locally."

It is the third warning to be issued by the Met Office this week.

A dramatic thunderstorm lit up the skies across Dorset for several hours on Tuesday night.

Dozens of readers, storm chasers and Echo Camera Club members sent in their pictures of the spectacular light show.