Storm Eunice brings down trees and disrupts travel in New Forest and Christchurch

POWERFUL winds have been bringing down trees on roads and railways as Storm Eunice batters the New Forest and Christchurch today (Friday).

People are being urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary amid a red weather warning by the Met Office, with expectations of disruption and dangerous conditions, with gusts of up to 80mph.

Wightlink has suspended all ferry crossings between Lymington and Yarmouth until further notice, while rail disruption is expected to continue for the rest of the day.

South Western Railway said trees falling on lines across its network meant fewer trains were able to run, with cancellations, delays or revisions expected.

Incidents dealt with by Network Rail Wessex included a fallen tree blocking the line at Sway, which was cleared by 10.30am.

“Please consider if your journey is essential,” the company tweeted.

Patients with appointments at New Milton Health Centre today are warned access to its car park in Spencer Road has been cut off by a fallen tree.

A Facebook post by Coastal Medical Partnership said: “Please park elsewhere for your appointments if you are able.

“Disabled patients can gain access via the exit, but please take care as there may be oncoming vehicles.”

Travel news network Romanse reported a fallen tree was blocking the A35 Southampton Road at Ashurst in both directions between Ashurst Lodge and New Forest Golf Club around 10.50am.

Another tree was reported to have come down across Bashley Common Road in Bashley, felling a phone line.

Dorset Police warned that fallen trees and power cables, as well as flying debris, were causing issues on roads across the county including Matchams Lane and Wessex Way.

“Please only travel if absolutely necessary,” a tweet by the force said.