Red Funnel has said it is expecting disruption to its services as Storm Ciarán is set to hit Southampton.

A spokesperson for the ferry operator said the safety of its passengers and crew is its "number one priority" as an amber wind warning and yellow rain warning has been issued for the area. 

It comes as dozens of schools across the area are due to close, with the Itchen Bridge shutting as of 7pm this evening as well. 

A spokesperson for Red Funnel told the Echo: “With Storm Ciarán approaching, we are expecting some disruption to both our Hi-Speed Red Jet and vehicle ferry service from this evening (1 Nov) and on Thursday, (2 Nov).

"The safety of our passengers and crew remains our number one priority.

"Any delays and cancellations will be dependent on wind and wave height.

"We will be monitoring conditions as they develop and will inform customers as soon as we know if there will be changes to our service."