THE Met Office has brought forward a weather warning of strong winds for today.

Winds of 55mph could be felt across Dorset as Storm Gareth sweeps in.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds. 

The warning was originally due to come into force at 9pm tonight.

It now comes into effect from 12noon. 

It will be valid until 3pm on Wednesday and covers Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of the county.

Travel could be disrupted with loss of power and large waves also expected.

The Met Office said: "A spell of strong west to northwesterly winds is expected to develop across the Hebrides on Tuesday afternoon, then southwest Scotland late on Tuesday evening, before extending across much of England and Wales through Wednesday. Gusts of up to 50-55 mph are likely inland and 65 mph along western coasts. Winds will gradually ease during Wednesday afternoon."

Today will see heavy rain until 4pm. 

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the east coast of Dorset.

Bournemouth Echo:

It will be in force for two hours after high tide from 10am. 

The forecast wind direction is South South Westerly and the forecast wind strength is Force 8. 

While flood warnings have been issued for West Bay Harbour between 7.45am and 11.45am. 

The Envioronment Agency said: "Flooding to properties at West Beach and around the harbour is likely at these times, however conditions may apply two to four hours either side of the high tide."

A weather warning for strong winds was also in force on Sunday.

All Condor sailings were cancelled due to the bad weather.