THUNDERSTOM warnings for Dorset will now be in force for three days next week after the Met Office issued a fresh alert.

Two warnings had already been issued for most of Monday and Tuesday, but a third warning has now been issued for Wednesday.

The new warning will be in force from 9am until midnight on Wednesday.

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Giving an update, the Met Office said: “While some places stay dry, others are likely to see thunderstorms with torrential rain during Wednesday, bringing possible disruption.”

The Met Office said between 20mm and 30mm of rainfall could be seen in the space of an hour due to slow moving thundery rain, however, some places could see 60mm of rainfall in less than three hours.

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

  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life

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It comes after days of heatwave conditions with temperatures of 30C and above seen across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the rest of Dorset.

Little or no rain has been recorded over the past few weeks with conditions tinder dry.

As previously reported earlier this week, Dorset has not been declared a drought zone despite several parts of the country being given drought status.