A weather warning for heavy rain has been issued, following reports of flash flooding in areas of the A35 and bursts of heavy rainfall across Dorset.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain, meaning you should plan ahead and think about possible delays. This will remain in place until at least 8pm tonight (Sunday, May 19).

There will be spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer. Parts of the A35 have already been affected by flash floods today.

Bus and train services will probably affected by this as well, with delays and cancellations possible.

The A35 Dorchester Bypass is partially blocked in both directions and traffic is at a standstill on the A35 westbound between Puddletown and Stinsford Hill.

According to Travel Dorset, initial reports of flooding started to come in at around 2pm today and now the water is approximately one foot deep in some areas.

On the Dorchester Bypass there is flooding between Weymouth Road and the turn off for Higher Bockhampton. Traffic is very slow but there are no formal restrictions in place.

Traffic is heavier than normal on the A35 between the Puddletown Bypass and Stinsford due to flooding.

PC Matt Weldon, from Dorset Police, was passing through on the way to an emergency in North Dorset. He said: "A35 east of Dorchester at a standstill due to bad floodwater avoid the area if possible!"

Highways England said: "Crews are working in the area to service the drains and attempting to clear as much of the surface water as possible."

The Met Office says: "Flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly. The effects can be devastating.

"There are a number of things you can do to prepare for flooding to keep yourself and your family safe.

"Find out if your home is at risk, sign up for flood warnings and be ready to take action."

Go to www.metoffice.gov.uk for more information and advice about flooding.