HIGHWAY’S teams in Dorset are bracing for a difficult night as Storm Goretti brings heavy rain, strong winds and the risk of icy conditions across the county.

Around 100 council staff are on standby over the next 36 hours to keep key routes moving with crews working through the night from Thursday into Friday to respond to flooding, fallen trees and freezing temperatures.

Keeping A roads open will be the top priority and gritting has been carefully timed to coincide with the point when road surfaces are most likely to freeze.

Council officers say early salting can be washed away by heavy rain, so treatments will focus on the early hours when they will be most effective.

Specialist tree-clearing teams are also ready to deal with debris brought down by strong winds, helping to reopen blocked routes as quickly as possible before crews move on to other roads as conditions allow.

Forecasters warn that higher routes could see road surface temperatures dip below zero overnight with sleet or wet snow possible in places.

While widespread snowfall is not expected, small accumulations of up to 1cm could occur on higher ground.

Any wintry weather is expected to ease by Friday morning with clearer spells developing later in the day.

The most challenging period is likely to be between midnight and 6am.

Drivers are being urged to consider whether journeys during those hours are essential, to travel with care and to allow extra time.

Cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said crews were prepared for a testing spell of weather.

“Heavy rain, strong winds and a short wintry window will test our roads tonight,” he said.

“Our teams are ready, with gritting timed to when it will count. Please slow down, plan journeys carefully and report urgent issues so we can target our resources where they’re needed most.”

Anyone who spots an emergency highway issue requiring urgent attention is asked to call Dorset Council on 01305 221000.

The council says it will continue to monitor conditions closely and adapt its response as weather forecasts are updated.