Heavy rain batters Hampshire as yellow weather warning remains in place

A yellow warning, issued by the Met Office, is in place until 11.45pm this evening (Thursday, September 5) with the risk of flooding across southern England - including in Hampshire. It is likely the Met Office will be issuing further warnings across the weekend, the forecasting body said.

There has been disruption to South Western Railway (SWR) services following the forecast of “severe weather” between Axminster and Honiton in Devon. A tree blocking the railway between Hilsea and Fareham has meant trains are running at reduced speed on all lines, SWR added.

A further weather warning - meaning an increase the possibility of travel disruption from flooding, possible power cuts and a small chance of some communities being cut off by flooded roads - comes into force throughout tomorrow (Friday) and The Met Office said heavy rain may lead to travel disruption and flooding. There is currently one flood warning in place for Hampshire affecting the tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch.

Chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “The rain will be persistent for some and may be particularly heavy in a few places.

“Rainfall totals of 15-30mm are expected widely, however the wettest areas are likely to see 40-60mm through the whole of Friday, with a lower likelihood of a few areas seeing as much as 75-100mm.

“In addition, rain may well be accompanied by thunderstorms across the South West during the early hours of Friday morning and during the afternoon and evening, across the South East.”

In Portsmouth the weekend weather forecast remains unsettled with outbreaks of rain.