HAMPSHIRE is set to be battered with gales of up to 70mph.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the area, starting at midnight tonight.

And, combined with a number of flood warnings already put out by the Environment Agency, it means it is likely to be a very wet week for thousands of people across Hampshire.

The Met Office says gales and heavy rain will lash the region throughout tomorrow, following heavy showers today.

Coastal areas may see wind speeds of up to 70mph, while up to 30mm of rain is expected.

And the terrible weather will continue later in the week, with even more heavy rain expected to hit Hampshire late on Thursday evening.

The showers will continue throughout Friday, and may lead to flooding across the south coast.

The Environment Agency already has a number of flood warnings and alerts issued for Hampshire.

There are flood warnings - meaning be prepared - out for the River Meon between Titchfield and Wickham, and for the River Itchen through Winchester.

And there are several less severe flood alerts - meaning be aware - across the county, including in Totton, Hambledon, Twyford and Ringwood.