Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to only make essential journeys this morning following the events of last night’s storm. Hampshire was badly affected by strong winds, heavy rain and flooding yesterday which caused much disruption to the county. The Service has taken 460 adverse weather related 999 calls and has opened it’s Major Incident Room. Area Manager Mick Crennell said: “We have had extremely high call volumes over the last 12 hours and our crews have been very busy all over the county attending 160 incidents. The type of incidents that we have attended include eight water rescues, numerous floodings, dangerous structures, fallen trees, fires and road traffic collisions.

“We are concerned about fallen trees, debris and flooding which may cause travel disruption today. I would urge the public to think seriously about each journey they take and assess the safest way to get to their destination. “We strongly encourage people to take extra care today.”