STORM Christoph is set to bring heavy rain to Dorset today as it batters the country.

A yellow weather warning of heavy rain is in force for the whole of the county until 12pm on Thursday.

The Met Office says between 20 and 30mm is expected more widely with as much as 40 to 50mm of rainfall “most likely” in the south west of England and along the south coast.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Occasional heavy rain is expected to affect the region from Wednesday onwards into early Thursday as Storm Christoph affects the UK. The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across the higher ground in the southwest.

“20-30 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the warning area with areas of 40-50 mm most likely in southwest England and along the south coast towards Hampshire. 75-100 mm is also likely over the moors in the southwest.”

“Some stronger winds may also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes.”

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

  • Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely
  • Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer
  • Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer
  • Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely

Dorset is expected to escape the worst of Storm Christoph. 

There are currently no flood warnings or alerts in place and the Environment Agency’s five-day flood risk is between “very low” and “low” for the next few days.

Parts of the UK could see two months’ worth of average rainfall in just two-and-a-half days.