Weekend winds of up to 70mph in new Met Office weather warning

THE New Forest and Christchurch have been included in the latest weather warning as winds of up to 70mph are forecast to hit the UK at the weekend.

The conditions are predicted by the Met Office to last for about 24 hours through Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, as a spell of strong winds moves north-east across a large swathe of the country.

The lowest-level yellow warning cautioned of spray and large waves being likely to affect coastal communities and routes.

Christchurch has been included in a further yellow alert for heavy rain in the south-west, causing some flooding and transport disruption. It has also been issued from about 3am tomorrow (Friday) until about 6am on Saturday.

As reported in the A&T, Milford has been badly affected by recent storms with part of the sea wall wrecked and beach huts damaged.

There are also likely to be delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, particularly for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

The southern portions of Dorset and Hampshire have been included in the weather warning, which stretches from the south coast up to the Scottish border.

The forecast said: “Strong winds will move into south-western parts of the UK by Saturday afternoon, and steadily move north-east through the course of Saturday evening and overnight into Sunday morning.

“Gusts of 50-60mph are likely quite widely, and especially in association with heavier showers across England and Wales during Saturday afternoon.

“More isolated gusts of 65-70mph, particularly on coasts and other exposed areas, are probable.”

This article was amended on 27th February 2020 to update the rain forecast for Christchurch.