Approaching Storm Ciarán sees Met Office up ‘very strong’ winds warning to amber for New Forest and Christchurch

Gusts of up to 85mph could hit the area, the Met Office has warned, as it upgraded an alert for wind in the New Forest and Christchurch amid Storm Ciarán.

A yellow notice issued by the national weather agency has been stepped up to amber between 3am and 1pm Thursday, including advice that flying debris could pose a danger to life.

Meanwhile, another yellow alert for heavy rain and strong winds has been issued for 5am to 9am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

This could cause travel disruption, with spray and flooding on roads possibly extending journey times; and delays likely for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges.

Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are also likely.

There may also be interruptions or short-term losses of power and other services, while spray or large waves could affect some coastal routes, seafronts and coastal communities.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Spells of heavy, showery rain accompanied by gusty or squally winds are expected on Wednesday morning, this rain clearing from the west during the course of the morning.

“Ten to 15mm of rain may fall in quite short periods of time and gusts may reach 60-70mph in some exposed coastal locations.”

Thursday’s “very strong” north-westerly winds associated with Storm Ciarán could disrupt travel, utilities and may cause some structural damage, the agency has warned.

Roofs could be blown off properties, and trees and power lines brought down.

Large waves and beach material could be thrown onto seafronts, coastal roads and properties.

The extreme weather could also force the closure of roads, bridges and railway lines, while delaying or cancelling buses, trains, ferries and flights.

Again, there could be power cuts, as well as effects on mobile phone coverage.

“During the early hours of Thursday north-westerly winds will develop across the Isles of Scilly and southwestern parts of England and Wales,” the Met Office said.

“Here, gusts are likely to reach 70-80mph in some coastal areas and in a few coastal spots may exceed 85mph.

“Inland, gusts of 65-75mph are possible. A sharp cut-off is expected regarding how far northeast these very high winds extend, this boundary still uncertain and dependent on the exact track of Storm Ciarán.”