STORM Ciarán could bring winds of up to 80mph to Dorset with a chance it could cause a “danger to life”, the Met Office has warned.

Two yellow alerts – one for strong winds and another for heavy rain – have been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and the rest of the county ahead of the incoming storm.

The wind warning will be in place from 9pm on Wednesday, November 1, until just before midnight on Thursday, November 2.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Ciaran is likely to bring a spell of very strong winds to southern parts of the UK, particularly during Thursday.

“Winds are likely to gust to 80mph along the south coast, with a very low risk of gusts in exposure to 90mph, and winds could gust up to 50 or 60mph inland from the early hours.

“The strongest winds will begin to ease later in the day from the southwest.”

The Met Office said there is a “slight chance” damage to buildings could occur, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down.

It also said there is a risk injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads, and properties, and also other flying debris. 

Buses, trains, ferry services and flights could also be disrupted.

A separate warning for rain is also in force from 6pm on Wednesday, November 1, until midnight on Thursday.

The Met Office said between 20 to 25mm of rainfall could be seen widely, with some places seeing as much as 40 to 60mm of rain, with homes and businesses at risk of flooding.

It said fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a “danger to life”.

The latest warnings come after heavy rain caused disruption across Dorset and the New Forest at the weekend. 

Waters rose as far as the beach huts on Mudeford Quay. 

Meanwhile in Poole, Banks Road along Sandbanks suffered clogged drains with giant puddles spreading across the road.