AMBER weather warning for Dorset ahead of Storm Bella
The county could expect a battering from rough weather on Boxing Day
The Met Office is warning of a gale force winds and heavy rain along the Dorset coast later on Boxing Day.
It's due to the arrival of what's now been named as 'Storm Bella'.
AMBER WARNING
An AMBER WARNING FOR WIND has been issued for Dorset from 10pm on Saturday (December 26th) to 9am on Sunday (December 27th).
It covers the whole of the South Coast, from Cornwall to Kent, along with the north Devon coast, areas around Bristol and parts of south and west Wales.
HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED
A YELLOW warning for heavy rain is already out for the whole of the county from 6pm on Boxing Day until 9am on Sunday.
Forecasters have warned that wind gusts of up to 80 miles an hour are possible, which are likely to bring 'widespread disruption' to utilities.
WHAT WE MIGHT EXPECT
Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
Possible damage to buildings, and risk to life from tiles and debris blown from roofs
Danger to life from large waves and beach debris being thrown onto coast roads, sea fronts and properties
There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
WHAT THE MET OFFICE SAY
"Very strong southwesterly winds are expected for parts of south and southeast England and south Wales on Sunday morning."
"Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely with a few spots likely to see 60-70 mph for a time."
"Hills and particularly coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds will see a few gusts of 70-80 mph."
"In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain is expected and may prove an additional hazard.""