A yellow weather warning for heavy rain and potential flooding has been issued for Dorset.

The Met Office has issued an alert warning of heavy rain from midnight to 3pm on Wednesday, December 27.

Strong winds are expected to exacerbate any impacts from the rain.

Bus and train services will probably be affected with journey times taking longer. Spray and flooding on roads are also expected to make journey times longer for motorists.

Flooding of homes and businesses is likely, as is some interruption to power supplies and other services.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Outbreaks of heavy rain will move north, eastwards across England and Wales during Wednesday. Across the warning area, 20-30 mm of rain is expected to accumulate quite widely.

"Across south-facing slopes of Dartmoor and the Dorset Downs, the western Pennines and parts of the Lake District, 40-60 mm is likely during this period.

"Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."