PEOPLE across Hampshire were bracing themselves for more storms tonight and tomorrow with more than an inch of rain and gusts of winds of up to 80mph forecast.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for midnight until 9pm tomorrow for heavy rain.

A spokesman said: “Spells of rain affecting the UK late Thursday and Friday are expected to be heavy at times with 10 to 20 mm expected to fall quite widely.

“Locally in excess of 30 mm is likely over parts of Wales, Northern Ireland and southern England by mid-morning while more than 40 mm are expected over parts of Scotland and northern England.

“The public should be aware of the potential for disruption, especially where ground is already saturated and where high winds are combined with heavy rainfall.”

It comes just days after storms hit the region - bringing chaos across the south and ruining Christmas for many residents.

Flooding, fallen trees and power cuts meant a miserable festive season for those trying to get home and those hosting family and friends.

The next round of stormy weather was forecast to begin last night with the Met Office saying spells of heavy rain expected.

There is potential for disruption on public transport as high winds combine with heavy rainfall, with up to an inch predicted across the area.

An assessment by the Met Office's chief forecaster said a deep area of low pressure was expected to develop over the eastern Atlantic yesterday and track north east close to Britain through today.

He said: “Associated strengthening winds are expected to increase to gale force in many areas and severe gales at times, especially over exposed coasts and hills.”

The weather could result in similar scenes to those across Hampshire on Christmas Eve after overnight storms.

Trains were cancelled and roads were blocked as heavy winds ripped trees from the ground and rainfall caused flooding.