Danger to life warning from Met Office as Storm Ciarán to bring yet more heavy rain and strong winds to waterlogged New Forest and Christchurch

DANGER to life is possible, the Met Office has warned, as Storm Ciarán brings more heavy rain and strong winds to the New Forest and Christchurch.

Yellow weather alerts have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday amid an incoming deep low pressure system sweeping into the UK.

News of the further downpours comes as the region reels from a past week of extremely wet weather, which flooded roads and caused travel disruption.

The latest rain alert runs from 6am on Wednesday until 11.59pm on Thursday, and is being associated with the storm.

“Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings,” the Met Office said.

“Some communities may be cut off by flooded roads. Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.”

There was also a warning that train and bus services could be delayed or cancelled as a further 20 to 30mm rain is set to fall, with a potential 40-60mm in areas such as higher ground.

The national weather agency added there could be further impacts due to already saturated conditions and the potential for fallen leaves to block drains.

There is a “slight chance” of roofs being blown off buildings and homes, it said, amid the yellow alert for wind, running from 9pm on Wednesday night to 11.59pm on Thursday.

Power lines could also be brought down by the very strong and potentially damaging winds associated with the storm.

“There is a small chance that flying debris will result in a danger to life,” the Met Office said.

“There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties.

“There is a small chance that roads, bridges and railway lines could close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.”

The alert cites potential gusts of 50-60mph along coasts.

As reported by the A&T, a number of marooned motorists had to be rescued from flooded roads in Brockenhurst last Wednesday morning.

After a further alert for heavy rain throughout the weekend, there were reports of more flooded roads, including Derritt Lane in Bransgore and the A337 Milford Road at Everton.

Water was also said to have flowed right up to the promenade at Mudeford Quay.

People were urged to keep checking the latest forecasts online at metoffice.gov.uk as they are updated over the coming days.