HAMPSHIRE’S Highways teams are on full alert following the Met Office’s Yellow warning for strong winds as Storm Arwen blows in.

The weather warning is in place until 6pm today, Saturday, November 27. There is also a chance of some sleet or snow in the north of the county on Saturday morning but it is expected to clear quickly.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, hampshire county council’s executive member for highways operations, said: “Storm Arwen could bring gusts of wind up to 55mph in some areas of the county this weekend. Our highways teams are ready to work round the clock, with additional resources on standby if needed, to keep Hampshire moving. 

“We’ve had an exceptionally wet summer this year and already heavily saturated ground means that trees are more susceptible to falling in strong winds or sudden gusts so we will have extra tree crews available.

“I would ask that anyone setting out on a journey over the next couple of days to check the weather forecast before they head off and consider if their journey is absolutely necessary. If they must travel, please be prepared and drive according to the conditions.”

Hampshire County Council tweeted: "Our @hantshighways teams are on full alert following @MetOffice's Yellow warning for strong winds as #StormArwen blows in Stay #weatheraware, see the latest advice and #StaySafe"

In the event of freezing temperatures or snow, Hampshire Highways’ dedicated fleet of 43 winter vehicles are on standby.

The vehicles are fitted with the latest technology to ensure salting is accurate and efficient, utilising GPS guidance.