A WEATHER warning for rain has been issued after a storm wreaked havoc across Hampshire.

High winds and torrential rain battered the county on Friday morning, bringing down trees and power lines and badly damaging homes.

And now Hampshire is set to face more bad weather with heavy rainfall forecast throughout Saturday evening.

A Met Office weather warning is in place from 6pm on Saturday until 9am on Sunday for Romsey and the north west of Hampshire, although torrential rain is also expected to hit Southampton.

A statement says: "With the ground very wet in these areas this is likely to lead to rising water levels and some flooding in places.

"This is most likely on Sunday morning with some very heavy rain possible for a time.

"15-25 mm of rain is likely with some spots seeing 30-40 mm - much of this falling in three hours or so on Sunday morning."

Hampshire County Council's highways team is on full alert this weekend, and the authority is urging road users to be careful.

Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: "Our highways teams are gearing up for a busy weekend.

"We’ll have emergency crews, specialist tree crews and extra gully equipment ready to clear fallen trees and water off the roads, to keep routes clear.

"We would ask anyone setting out on a journey to please be prepared, and check the weather forecast before they head off. With excess water on roads, drivers are advised to be extra cautious in such conditions and are politely reminded to regulate their speeds accordingly, allowing extra time for their journeys."