BATTEN down the hatches - as yet another storm will begin blasting Hampshire early this morning.

Gusts of up to 70 mph are expected to begin battering coastal areas from about 3am.

This follows a deluge of water over the weekend which caused rivers to burst their banks, stranded motorists and flooded properties.

The Met Office's severe weather alert is to remain in place until the end of tomorrow with drivers warned to expect hazardous driving conditions throughout today.

Hampshire County Council urged motorists to allow extra time in tomorrow morning, warning of floodwater masking hidden dangers on the road Weather expects have today confirmed the UK is enduring the worst series of winter storms in more than 20 years.

And the strong winds, persistent rain and tidal waves are predicted to pummel Hampshire for at least another day, as emergency services attempt to cope with the trail of devastation so far created by the severe weather.

Meanwhile the Environment Agency is continuing to issue flood warnings for coastal areas with high waves predicted as well as inland flooding as torrential rain falls on already sodden land.

Communities from Milford-on-Sea to Lymington and at the Lymington River were among those in Hampshire at risk from flooding.

Villagers in Kings Somborne near Winchester have also been alert as groundwater levels rose so high cellars were expected to be affected.