Met Office amber warning for parts of New Forest

A yellow weather warning for the New Forest has been upgraded to amber this morning (Wednesday).

The Met Office announced the more serious grade just after 6am and warned that further heavy rain was expected, leading to “some flooding and disruption”.

Many local roads are already awash with surface water from overnight rainfall, and the national weather agency said delays and cancellations are likely for public transport, driving conditions will be difficult, homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, and there may be powercuts.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy rainfall is expected at first this morning adding to the rain that has already fallen overnight.

“Accumulations of 30 to 40mm are likely with as much as 70 to 80mm in a few locations. This will lead to a risk of disruption with flooding of some homes and businesses possible.”

The amber warning covers eastern areas of the New Forest, and is in place until 10am this morning.