STRONG winds have led a council to close a section of beach in Lymington. 

A section of the beach at Hordle Cliff, in Lymington, has become narrow at high tide and the New Forest District Council closed it to people. 

Signs are in place alerting beach walkers to the closure after rain and strong winds continue to batter much of west Hampshire and the Dorset coastline. 

A spokesperson for New Forest District Council said: “Rain and strong winds can affect our coastline. Cliff material can fall in this weather, particularly between Barton on Sea through to Milford on Sea. 

“Please take care if you are visiting the coast and keep a safe distance from cliff edges and the base of cliffs. 

“We've closed a section of beach at Hordle Cliff. The beach has become narrow at high tide.  

“Signs are in place where the closure is.” 

A yellow weather warning was issued for much of southern England yesterday due to strong winds and rain. 

The Met Office said to expect “likely delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport, probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer and delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.”

 

It added: “A deep area of low pressure is expected to move eastwards across southern Britain during Thursday evening and Friday morning, bringing spells of strong southerly winds, then a lull, followed by strong west or northwesterly winds.   

“There is uncertainty over the track and depth of the low and this affects how strong the wind will be.   

“It is likely that coastal areas will see 50-60 mph gusts, with a low probability of 70 mph over exposed hills and headlands with winds probably peaking after they veer west or northwesterly.   

“This could lead to some disruption in places. Along with the strong winds, we will also see heavy rain overnight clearing as the low progresses eastwards.”