Strong wind and rain clears Hampshire (From Daily Echo)

Weather across Hampshire improves but the rain will be back

12:00pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News

THE HEAVY rain and strong winds which plagued the morning rush hour have left Hampshire.

More than 28mm of rain fell across the county this morning causing localised flooding in some areas and tricky driving conditions for motorists as they made their way to work.

However, although the emergency services and Highways Agency were called to a number of incidents, there was no significant increase compared to a normal Monday morning.

Police are warning motorists to take extra care on the roads as the rain is expected to return in the next few days.

Experts are predicting a “particularly wet and windy period” for the region with up to 80mm (three inches) of rain over the next 48 hours.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for much of Hampshire yesterday, with residents told to be aware of “torrential downpours” that could cause surface water and rivers to burst their banks.

The Environment Agency also warned residents to expect disruption and said that they were mobilising teams across south Hampshire to check on flood defences, clear river blockages and closely monitor river levels.

Met Office forecaster George Goodfellow said: “This rain is going to be around, and heavy, all day Monday.

“The short description is a pretty wet and windy period – it looks like it will be unsettled in Hampshire for the rest of the week, with a chance of showers on most days.

“The next few days will be fairly autumnal.”

Flooding was reported in Fareham yesterday on Funtley Road, where a drain was understood to be blocked.

An outdoor concert in Lepe Country Park also had to be moved inside because of the stormy conditions – and performers in the Proms Spectacular instead took to the stage at the Waterside Sports and Social Club in Holbury.

Elsewhere, hundreds of runners braved the wet and windy conditions to take part in the New Forest marathon and exhibitors and visitors had to put up with the rain on the final day of the PSP Southampton Boat Show .

Despite the dreary outlook for most of the week, experts are predicting a drier spell towards the weekend.