DORSET issued with yellow weather warning for wind as the remnants of ex-Hurricane Gonzalo pass over the UK.

The Met Office have updated their weather warning to include Dorset and the South West this morning.The warning for high winds and gales runs until 8pm.

High winds reached 75mph last night and strong gusts are forecast to continue throughout the day as the weather system moves overhead.

Weymouth SeaLife Tower tweeted that the 'Weymouth Tower will be closed until further notice today due to gales and stormy weather.' Some rides at the SeaLife park may also be affected.

NCI Coastwatch volunteers at Portland Bill reported winds of Force 11 or around 75mph at the Bill at 6.30am this morning and at 10am the winds were still at 55-65mph or Force 9.

Volunteer Peter Tambling said the waves were crashing around the coastline to about 15 feet high and no boats were out at sea.

He said: “It’s been a long time since I have seen wind like this. It stopped our radar turning.”

Mr Tambling added that the Coastwatch building had been shaking earlier in the morning.

He said: “It’s lucky the swell is in the right direction not too built up to do more damage to the Cove area.”

The Environment Agency have now removed the flood warning they put in place for Preston and the Sea Life area of Lodmoor for two hours after high tide this morning at 6am.

A spokesman said: “There may be significant spray and shingle overtopping affecting the coast road. The forecast wind direction is West South West. The forecast wind strength is Force Eight.”

However, it appears that the area missed any flooding, as has West Dorset which had a flood alert in place for this morning’s high tide.

High winds continue to batter the county this morning as the worst of the weather is felt to the north of the UK.

Winds of up to 80mph were predicted for the coastal areas of Scotland.

Heathrow Airport has had to cancel some flights because of the gales and motorists are being urged to take care on the roads.

The AA warned that hazards like falling branches and trees could occur after the gales started to subside.

A spokesman for the Met office said: “The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees.

“Difficult driving conditions will result, perhaps exacerbated by surface water and spray in places.”

He added: “Fallen leaves impeding drainage increases the risk of surface water affecting roads, while some damage to trees is possible, given that many are still in full leaf.”