Areas of west Dorset have been issued with a flood alert tonight. 

The Environment Agency has released an alert which comes into force from 7.30pm tonight for west Dorset rivers and streams, with flooding forecast to affect locations near the River Lim, River Char, River Winniford, Simene River, River Brit, River Asker, River Mangerton, and River Bride.

It comes as heavy rain is set to hit the county tonight, with a yellow weather warning for rain in place from 6pm today until noon tomorrow.

Further flooding is possible overnight as river levels are forecast to rise due to heavy rainfall.

READ: Yellow weather warning for rain in West Dorset tonight

Many places will see around 10 to 20mm of rain however the south west areas are expected to see "considerably more" over a six hour period. 

There may be 50 to 80 mm of rain fall in some areas and the south could also see isolated thunderstorms and lightning. 

Flooding and travel disruption may also affect some areas.

Residents are encouraged to start acting on their flood plan if they have one.