Weekend weather alert upgraded from yellow to amber

THE weather alert locally this weekend has been upgraded from yellow to amber by the Met Office.

With the remnants of Storm Alex clipping the area today (Friday), the New Forest and Christchurch will see another dumping of rain over the weekend with up to 90mm expected, and a “potential” of 120mm for higher ground.

Steve Ramsdale, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “As the strong winds and rain associated with Storm Alex clear away from Britain later on Friday, another low-pressure system moves towards the UK from the east bringing further very heavy rain and strong winds to many over the weekend.”

Deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, Nick Silkstone, added: “Saturday will be a very wet day as heavy bands of rain push across the country, followed by showery rain on Sunday. It’ll be cold and windy too with a risk of coastal gales in some areas.”

The upgraded alert increases the chance of flooding in the area with “a good chance” some communities will be cut off, the Met Office said.

Jonathan Day, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Heavy rain will bring the potential for surface water flooding and perhaps some river flooding across the south of England on Friday. More widespread and persistent heavy rain across much of England will bring the potential for further river and surface water flooding over the weekend.”

The Met Office also warns:

• Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely, causing danger to life
• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely
• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures