THUNDERSTORMS and heavy rain could bring disruption to Dorset today, the Met Office has warned.

As much as 20mm of rain could fall within an hour with between 30 to 40mm of rainfall in around three hours.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of the county between 11am and 8pm.

The Met Office says: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms could bring some disruption, especially to transport.”

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Delays to train services are possible
  • Perhaps damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
  • Some short term loss of power is possible

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop quite quickly later on Friday morning, but peaking during the afternoon for many, before probably becoming more restricted to the southeast and south coastal counties towards evening.

"Some places will miss the heavier rain, but other locations could see around 20 mm within an hour and perhaps 30 to 40 mm in around 3 hours, sufficient to cause issues on the roads.”