DORSET continues to be lashed by very strong winds as weather warnings remain in place throughout today.

A yellow weather warning was originally issued by the Met Office on Wednesday and has been extended.

Today, the weather forecaster has predicted the gales could reach up to 60mph.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Windy weather may lead to some travel disruption and, perhaps, damage to temporary outdoor structures.

"The windiest conditions will start to affect south Wales and southwest England Thursday late afternoon and evening before spreading across southern England Thursday night and early Friday.

"Inland, gusts up to 45 to 50 mph are expected at times whilst over coasts and hills gusts will reach as much as 55 to 60 mph. These high winds then slowly ease from the west during Friday."

The warning is in place until 9pm today (Friday.)

Residents are warned some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely and some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.