Warning of more wild weather to come after weekend disruption

ANOTHER weather warning has been issued for the New Forest and Christchurch after the area was left counting the cost of strong winds at the weekend.

The storm brought down a tree on Sunday which for several hours blocked the New Forest train line at Sway until it was removed by lunch time, causing disruption until about 9pm.

Network Rail imposed a 50mph speed restriction across the entire South Western Railway network due to high winds, and Hampshire Fire and Rescue warned drivers to take care.

On Sunday morning a tree came down on Lymington Road, Highcliffe, near the golf course. Matchams Lane in Hurn was also part blocked due to a fallen tree.

There were other road obstructions around the district including in Hythe and Totton amid powerful gusts.

There was also a report of a tree down today (Monday) across the Ornamental Drive near Brockenhurst.

There is predicted to be no let up on Wednesday as strong north-westerly winds of up to 55mph are expected across much of England, including Hampshire and Dorset, with possible transport disruption, the Met Office warned.

It said some bus and train services could be affected, and some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

Coastal communities are likely to be affected by spray and large waves, it added.

The Met Office said: “A spell of strong north-westerly winds across Northern Ireland is expected to extend across much of England and Wales through Wednesday.

“Gusts of up to 50-55 mph are likely inland and 65 mph along western coasts. Winds will gradually ease during the afternoon.”