RESIDENTS in south and west Dorset are being urged to prepare their properties for long spells of heavy rain. 

The Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning for the South West, with rain expected to be heavy and persistent at times through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Properties at risk of flooding are being encouraged to use sandbags or equivalent protective products.

For the location of sandbag community stores in west Dorset, please click here.

In addition to these locations, a temporary store can be found at Fordington Street, Dorchester.

Weymouth and Portland residents can pick up sandbags from the sandbag store at Weymouth's harbour gate.

Meanwhile, residents in Upwey can access sandbags from a store at The St Laurence Church.

North Dorset District Council does not provide sandbags in advance of flooding.

Owners of properties at risk of flooding in this area can purchase sandbags from local builder’s merchants.

Overall flooding information and advice can be found at dorsetforyou.com/flooding