Weekend weather warning of coastal winds reaching up to 80mph

A WEATHER warning of wind speeds of up to 80mph on the coast has been issued by the Met Office for tomorrow (Saturday).

The New Forest and Christchurch have been included in the alert which covers an area across the south of England and Wales for between approximately 4am and 6pm.

The warning was in the low-level yellow category, but came with cautions of likely disruption to travel and the slight chance of damage to buildings.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "An area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of strong winds and heavy rain to southern England and south Wales on Saturday.

"Gusts of 55-60mph are likely inland with gusts of 60-70mph around and just inland of south and west-facing coasts and over hills.

"The strongest gusts are most likely across coastal south-west England and towards Hampshire/Isle of Wight where isolated gusts of up to 80mph are possible in a few locations during the morning.

"These winds will bring some very large waves to exposed coasts of south-west England with some dangerous conditions possible here.

"Winds are expected to slowly ease from the west during the afternoon."

The weather alert included a warning of possible damage to buildings with tiles blown off and the threat of injuries from flying debris.

Some short term loss of power and other services is possible, it added, and coastal communities will probably face large waves and heavy spray.

It said hold-ups were also “likely” to road, rail, air and ferry services, with high-sided vehicles facing delays on exposed routes and bridges.