HAMPSHIRE is bracing itself for travel chaos as winds of up to 55mph are set to batter the county.

Forecasters are warning of travel misery today as high winds move east across England and Wales during the day.

The strongest winds will finally ease around dawn tomorrow.

According to the Met Office, some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely while outbreaks of rain, occasionally heavy, will add to the difficult travel conditions.

Much of the county has been put on a yellow weather warning.

Network Rail, working with its train operator, South Western Railway, has activated its weather contingency plans for some routes and is advising passengers to check before they travel. 

The weather contingencies include temporary speed restrictions to protect passengers and train crew from the effects of high winds, which can blow trees and other debris onto railway lines and overhead power lines.

As well as speed restrictions, there will be additional railhead cleaning trains to both confirm lines are clear and remove any tree debris.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We are keeping a close eye on weather reports and are doing everything we can to prepare. This includes deploying additional teams across the South Western Railway network to remove debris quickly and safely if we need to, and to keep passengers moving.”

To check train times visit nationalrail.co.uk.