AN amber warning for wind has been issued for Hampshire by the Met Office ahead of Storm Ciara’s arrival this weekend.

The Met Office has stepped up its warning for the county from yellow to amber which is more severe.

The warning is valid from 9am until 9pm on Sunday. 

The warning says Storm Ciara will bring a spell of “very strong winds” and disruption to travel is “likely” during Sunday.

Damage to buildings, longer journey times and cancellations are likely while road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and some roads and bridges are likely to close.

The Met Office also said injuries and danger to life is “likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, seafronts and properties.”

It added that there is a “good chance” power cuts may occur.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Widespread very strong winds will affect the region through much of Sunday. Gusts of 55 to 65 mph are likely widely in inland areas and 70 to 80 mph along the south coast.

"Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds leading to very poor driving conditions."