Met Office yellow alert for heavy rain in New Forest and Christchurch

A HEAVY rain alert has been issued for tonight (Thursday) until tomorrow evening, covering the New Forest and Christchurch.

The Met Office warned flooding of a few homes and businesses was likely as it issued the yellow notice for the period from 9pm tonight to 8pm tomorrow.

According to the warning, downpours, which will become persistent at times, will moved north-east across much of England and Wales overnight.

Some drier spells will then follow “for a time” across southern and eastern England.

The Met Office stated 20-30mm of rain could fall within two hours if heavy showers and thunderstorms develop over southern England.

Journeys could be delayed by spray and flooding on roads, as well as affecting bus and train services.

There is also a warning of windy conditions, with gusts of 45-50mph inland and as high as 60mph on some southern coasts.

“The rain will clear from the northwest through Friday afternoon and evening,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

“Widely 10-20mm of rain is likely, but in the wettest spots 30-50mm is possible.”