The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the south coast, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected in Verwood.
The heavy rain started around 5pm Sunday and is expected to last until lunchtime on Monday.
Lightning and thunderstorms are predicted throughout the night, which may lead to localised flooding and travel disruption.
The Met Office said to expect spray and flooding will lead to difficult driving conditions and perhaps some road closures, along with chances of flooding or fast flowing floodwater.