Dozens of people have been left stranded as South Western Railway urged passengers not to travel until further notice.

At least seven trees and a roof have fallen onto the tracks leading to the majority of services to and from Southampton Central being delayed or cancelled.

Long queues have formed outside the station tonight as people wait for taxis.

Services between Southampton and London Waterloo are among those affected. And the line between Eastleigh and Romsey is blocked due to a fallen tree.

South Western Railway has suspended services south and west of Woking, south of Guildford and west of Staines due to the impact of Storm Henk.

It has invited passengers with SWR tickets to book their own taxi and claim it back.

Daily Echo: Trains to and from Southampton have been delayed or cancelled Trains to and from Southampton have been delayed or cancelled (Image: Newsquest)

A message on its website says: "Due to high winds leading to multiple trees and other obstructions blocking the railway across the network, please do not attempt to travel until further notice.

"There are at least seven trees down and a roof on our tracks, so we have had to suspend services south and west of Woking, south of Guildford and west of Staines.

"Teams are working hard to clear the lines as soon as possible, but we are expecting extensive disruption throughout the evening.

"If you are currently travelling with us, you can arrange your own taxis to complete your journey and claim this back from our Customer Services Team."

Daily Echo: People waiting for taxis outside Southampton CentralPeople waiting for taxis outside Southampton Central (Image: Newsquest)

The travel chaos comes after heavy rain and gale force winds battered most of the UK today, particularly the south where an amber weather warning for wind is in place until 8pm.

In Southampton, gusts of up to 50mph were forecast in the afternoon leading to several fallen trees blocking roads across the city.

Driver Emma-Jane Clarissa told of the moment a tree came down on Mansbridge Road in Eastleigh right in front of her vehicle.

This morning's downpours also resulted in flooding in parts of the city and Bartley Water in Ashurst burst its banks.

Ferry services between Southampton and the Isle of Wight have also been suspended until further notice due to the adverse weather.

A spokesperson for Red Funnel said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to your journey.”