Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for wind and rain for New Forest and Christchurch in wake of Storm Éowyn
STRONG winds and heavy rain coming with Storm Éowyn tomorrow (Friday) are set to continue across the weekend.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind on Sunday, between 8am and 3pm, and for rain on Sunday from 8am until 6am on Monday.
As a result, there may be some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, with some journeys taking longer.
The weather organisation says it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves and there could be some short-term loss of power and other services.
Winds are likely to gust 50 to 60mph quite widely, and around some exposed coasts and hills gusts up to 70mph are possible.
It advises checking road conditions before travelling, as well as bus and train timetables, to avoid delays and to consider amending travel plans if necessary.
Spells of heavy rain on Sunday could result in some homes and businesses being flooded, along with a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.
Spray and flooding could also lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
The warning states: “A period of heavy rain is likely to affect central and southern England and much of Wales during Sunday morning followed by some heavy, thundery showers.
“Quite widely, 10-20mm will fall, with locally nearer 30-50mm over high ground, particularly over exposed south or south-east-facing upslopes.
“It's then possible that a further spell of heavy rain may develop and affect parts of England and Wales on Sunday evening, clearing early Monday and should this be the case a few places may see as much as 80mm of rainfall in total.
“Given recent heavy rain, this extra rainfall could lead to some local surface water and river flooding.”
Residents should check if their property could be at risk of flooding and are urged to take extra care if walking near cliffs, as well as keeping dogs on a lead.
As reported in the A&T, storm Éowyn is expected to bring “very” strong winds and heavy rain to the area on Friday.
The Met Office is warning of disruption for the region with yellow weather warnings in place from 5am until 3pm.
Weather experts warn the storm could damage buildings and blow tiles from roofs, with power cuts “likely” and potentially affect other services such as mobile phone networks.
An amber alert for wind has been issued for the north east and north west, while a red warning for “significant” disruption has been issued for parts of Scotland and Northern Island.
