Storms forecast to bring more disruption to New Forest and Christchurch

MORE rough weather is forecast for the New Forest and Christchurch this weekend as with gusts potentially hitting up to 70mph.

Hampshire and Dorset were included in a yellow warning tomorrow (Saturday) for a wide area stretching across the south of England and up the west coast of Wales and into the north-west. Other areas are facing rain warnings.

The latest storm follows bad conditions last weekend which felled trees, blocking the New Forest train line and obstructing roads.

It nearly killed a family who had a lucky escape as their car was crushed as they drove out of Milford.

In anticipation of the weather, Sway Parish Council today cancelled the planned opening tomorrow of a wild play area constructed in partnership with the national park authority. The event will be rearranged.

The Met Office warned that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves with delays possible on public transport and difficult driving conditions. The turbulence is expected to last from about 4am to 9pm.

The forecast said: “A developing area of low pressure is expected to track across Northern Ireland, northern England and southern Scotland on Saturday.

“On the southern flank of this system, strong winds are expected, the strongest of these are likely to affect coastal and immediately adjacent regions of the west and south of England and Wales.

“Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely, with some more exposed locations seeing wind gusts of around 70mph, mainly in coastal areas and just inland.”