Wind chaos as Storm Diana brings 80mph winds to Hampshire

Wind chaos as Storm Diana brings 80mph winds to Hampshire

A weather warning issued by the MET Office said that strong winds would hit parts of Hampshire, and the forecast proved accurate. Hampshire energy provider SSE issued a warning to Hampshire homeowners as wind gusts reached up to 80mph due to Storm Diana. Elsewhere, SSE confirmed that the Southern Central Regions had moved into a yellow alert, in preparations for storm-force winds and heavy rain, covering the West Country as far as the New Forest, and WeatherFile.com reported wind speeds of 82.2mph at Hurst Castle. The adverse weather conditions also caused the Christmas light switch on event in Hedge End Village Centre to be cancelled. A spokesperson for the Hedge End Town Council said: "The event is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions making it not safe for the show, but the lights will still be turned on at six." The lights were still turned on at 6pm, but all the stalls and grotto's were cancelled, including performances from Father Christmas. Eastleigh Borough Council also confirmed that Itchen Valley Country Park was closed until lunchtime due to the weather conditions. There were also reports of fallen trees in Romsey, on Stanbridge Lane, Kimbridge Lane and Botley Road, to which Hampshire Highways were clearing the roads.