TORRENTIAL rain and high winds have led to numerous traffic delays in West Dorset.

Authorities were forced to close the B3157 Coast Road between Bridport and Weymouth after a fallen tree blocked the road.

They were also forced to partially close the A35 from East Road roundabout in Bridport towards Dorchester after two overhead power cables dislodged in the high winds.

The two cables were colliding with each other, forcing electrical sparks to fall on to the road. A passing lorry driver was directing traffic underneath the cables, causing tailbacks on both carriageways of the A35, and on East Street in Bridport.

Police closed the road shortly after 1pm, as the power company worked to fix the fault.

Western Power Distribution said five customers suffered power cuts from the original cables being down, then they had to take more off for repairs to be carried out safely, leading to 43 customers losing power. All power was restored by 4pm.

Motorists have also been warned to expect traffic delays throughout the area today due to the bad weather, with the Met Office issuing an Amber warning for wind and rain in Bridport.

Flooding and a broken-down vehicle caused traffic delays on the A3066 north of Beaminster Tunnel this afternoon.

There was standing water and debris in the road  between Morcombelake and Charmouth and flooding on the coast road at Swyre and in the North Allington area of Bridport. Motorists have been advised to drive with extreme care.

Flood warnings are in force for Lyme Regis and West Bay harbours and the River Char at Charmouth and the Dolphins caravan park.

Fallen trees near Walditch and Dottery left roads partially blocked.