Flooding to some homes, businesses and roads is likely as rain is set to hit the county later today. 

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued across Dorset as heavy rain is expected this afternoon and evening.

According to the Met Office a few homes and business are likely to flood and there may be some interruption to power supplies and other services.

Motorists are warned spray and flooding on the roads will make journey times longer.

The weather warning will be in effect from 3pm as heavy showers develop through Tuesday afternoon.

Some places could see 10-15 millimetres of rain fall within an hour and 25 millimetres possibly falling in as little as three hours.

A Met Office spokesman said: "As the ground in these areas is already near saturated, this rainfall brings an increased risk of flooding. Lightning may be an additional hazard."

Flood warnings are in place in parts of Dorset where flooding is expected.

Groundwater levels in South Winterbourne Valley will continue to rise towards the middle of this week, and a warning has been issued.

The flooding is causing problems on the B3159 through Winterbourne Steepleton and in Martinstown.

There is also heavy traffic on the A35 due to surface water which is said to be affecting traffic between Longland's Lane and Long Bredy Hut Lane.

Residents are advised to prepare protection measures and take particular care when driving, both for their own safety and to prevent flooding to others.

Flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - have been issued across the county including West Dorset. 

Travellers heading out of the county are warned of flooding and slow traffic on the A358 between Abbey Gate Lane (Axminster) and Maidenhayne Lane (Musbury) and are urged to approach with care.