A lorry overturned in high winds causing rush-hour delays.

The incident occurred yesterday morning on the A35 between Winterborne Abbas and Dorchester.

The A35 was blocked eastbound between the B3159 junction and Monkey’s Jump roundabout, because of the overturned lorry.

It is believed the lorry overturned shortly before 7am yesterday as a result of high winds and weather conditions.

A passer-by said: “It was quite spectacular. I was only a few hundred yards behind the lorry and it just went over on its side.

“The driver is a lucky bloke as it really crashed on to the ground.

“The driving conditions were really bad at the time and it is a very exposed spot. Several high-sided lorries have overturned along this high stretch of the A35 over the years.

“It was lucky no other vehicles got involved and that the driver walked away.”

The road was later closed eastbound between Mitsubishi Roundabout in Bridport and Monkeys Jump Roundabout, Dorchester, as the lorry was recovered.

A diversion via the A3066 to Crewkerne and A356 to Dorchester was put in place.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “Shortly before 7am this morning a lorry travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A35 between Bridport and Dorchester was blown over in high winds.

“Fortunately no other vehicles were involved and the driver was uninjured.

“We thank drivers for their patience during the delays while the vehicle was being removed “Given the current weather conditions we urge all drivers to take care and drive safely.”

The lorry was recovered at around 2.45pm and the road reopened a short whle later.

Elsewhere, police closed the West Stafford bypass near Dorchester after a two car crash.

The incident happened at around 7am yesterday morning.

A blue Land Rover, registered to a company from the county town, collided with a silver Ford Focus, registered to a man from Weymouth. No one was injured.

Officers closed the road while recovery work took place. The road was reopened by 9am.