FLOODING is possible in several parts of Dorset, the Environment Agency has warned.

A flood alert is in force for a huge swathe of the county including Bournemouth beach, Poole Harbour, Christchurch Harbour, Sandbanks, Studland and Swanage.

The alert also covers Castletown, Weymouth and Preston Beach.

Bournemouth Echo: A flood alert is in force for much of the Dorset coast. Picture: Environment AgencyA flood alert is in force for much of the Dorset coast. Picture: Environment Agency (Image: Environment Agency)

The Environment Agency says: “Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

“Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.

“Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message.”

It comes amid a yellow Met Office weather warning for strong winds.

The warning came into force at 9pm on Thursday and remains in place until 12pm today.

The Met Office said: “A deep area of low pressure is expected to move eastwards across southern Britain during Thursday evening and Friday morning, bringing spells of strong southerly winds, then a lull, followed by strong west or northwesterly winds.

“There is uncertainty over the track and depth of the low and this affects how strong the wind will be.

“It is likely that coastal areas will see 50-60 mph gusts, with a low probability of 70 mph over exposed hills and headlands with winds probably peaking after they veer west or northwesterly.

“This could lead to some disruption in places. Along with the strong winds, we will also see heavy rain overnight clearing as the low progresses eastwards.”

According to the Met Office forecast, gusts up to 41mph are expected across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this morning.

Heavy rain is expected at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm.

Light rain is predicted between 3pm and 8pm.