A NEW storm is set to hit Dorset this weekend, just days after Storm Ciara swept across the county.

Storm Dennis will bring winds of up to 70mph on Saturday and heavy rain over the weekend, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow weather alerts for wind and rain.

The warnings cover the whole of Dorset including Bournemouth and Poole and start from 12pm on Saturday.

A warning for "very strong winds" runs until around midnight, while the alert for rain is valid until 12pm on Sunday. 

Between 15 and 30mm of rainfall is widely expected, while as much as 50 to 70mm of rainfall could be seen across parts of higher ground in the west.

The Met Office says there is a “small chance of injuries and danger to life” from flying debris and large waves.

Bournemouth Echo:

There’s also a “slight chance” of damage to some buildings, longer journey times or cancellations to road, rail, air and ferry services.

Flooding and power cuts could also occur, the Met Office has warned.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “Very strong winds in association with Storm Dennis are expected on Saturday across many parts of England and Wales. Gusts of 50 mph are expected widely inland, with around 60 mph in places.

"Around the coasts, especially in the west and south, gusts of 60-70 mph are likely. This will be accompanied by heavy rain at times.”

The Environment Agency have also warned of a potential five-day flood risk across the west and south of England. 

Due to the potential for widespread, heavy rain from Storm Dennis, flooding is expected from Saturday, with people warned to prepare for travel disruption and damage.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "Properties may flood and there could be travel disruption. Local coastal flooding is also possible for the coasts of Wales and the west, south and north-east coasts of England today."

"From Wednesday to Friday, further rainfall at times may lead to some river and surface water flooding in places across England and Wales."