Surrey and Hampshire on alert as Storm Christoph moves in

A yellow weather warning for rain, issued by the Met Office, comes into effect at midnight on Wednesday (20 January) and lasts until 12pm on Thursday.

The severe weather alert covers the whole of the two counties and much of the South East, South West and East of England.

Separate alerts are already in place for the Midlands, Northern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.

Up to 50mm of rain is currently forecast to fall across the South on Wednesday and Thursday, although that total may reach as much as 100mm in parts of the South West.

In addition, those living along the coast and near to rivers are being told to prepare for possible flooding.

Travel disruption is also likely for those who need to make essential journeys by car, bus or train.

What can we expect?

Flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely

Bus and train services probably affected with journey times taking longer

Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer

Some interruption to power supplies and other services likely

Here' is what the Met Office is saying:

"Occasional heavy rain is expected to affect the region from Wednesday onwards into early Thursday as Storm Christoph affects the UK.

"The heaviest and most persistent rain is likely to be across the higher ground in the southwest. 20-30 mm of rain is expected to fall widely across the warning area with areas of 40-50 mm most likely in southwest England and along the south coast towards Hampshire.

"75-100 mm is also likely over the moors in the southwest.

"Some stronger winds may also accompany the rainfall and may add to travelling difficulties across higher and more exposed routes."

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• Rain
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• Met Office
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• Hampshire