8 June 2012 Last updated at 14:01 ET

High winds continue to cause disruption across Dorset

The driver escaped unhurt after a tree fell on his van at St Mary's Church junction in Ferndown

High winds and rain continue to cause disruption across Dorset.

Two men were fortunate to escape without injury after a tree fell on their vehicle at St Mary's Church junction in Ferndown.

Police received more than 50 reports of falling trees on Thursday evening while the Met Office reported gusts up to 57mph on the Isle of Portland.

Races on the penultimate day of competition at the Sail for Gold event in Weymouth also had to be postponed.

Van driver Chris Lloyd and his apprentice were able to climb out of their vehicle when it was struck by a falling oak tree in Ferndown.

Mr Lloyd said: "We heard the noise as it came down, it crunched into us and the windows popped.

"It happened too quick to be frightened. When you get out, it dawns on you what has happened."

No serious injuries have been reported and the forecast is for severe gales and rain to continue into the weekend.

In Barrack Road, Christchurch, barriers were blown on to the road just after 19:00 BST on Thursday.

Trees also fell across the A37 in Dorchester and blocked busy roads in and around Bournemouth.

Telephone lines were blown loose from masts at the intersection of Southlands Road and Buxton Road in Weymouth.

Dorset Police advised motorists to "pay full attention to roads at all times, drive proportionate to the road conditions and show consideration to other motorists".