Yellow weather warning for Surrey and East Hampshire ahead of Storm Bella

Petersfield is under an amber alert on Boxing Day

Published 24th Dec 2020

The Met Office is warning of disruption by strong winds across Surrey and East Hampshire on Boxing Day.

It is ahead of the arrival of what is now being named by forecasters as Storm Bella.

A yellow warning has been issued for our area from 3pm on Saturday (December 26th) to 12pm on Sunday (December 27th).

It covers the whole of England and Wales as well as the far south of Scotland.

Petersfield is under an amber alert for wind between 10pm on Boxing day and 9am Sunday.

Forecasters have warned that wind gusts of up to 80 miles an hour are possible, which are likely to bring 'widespread disruption' to utilities.

What can we expect?

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

Some roads and bridges may close

Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

What are the Met Office saying?

"Very strong southwesterly winds are expected for parts of south and southeast England and south Wales on Sunday morning.

"Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely with a few spots likely to see 60-70 mph for a time.

"Hills and particularly coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds will see a few gusts of 70-80 mph.

"In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain is expected and may prove an additional hazard."

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