This weekend delivered some rather wet and windy weather conditions especially on Saturday although Sunday was also quite blowy.

Today is looking like being even worse for rain and much stronger gusts of wind building from lunchtime. Speeds are looking set for 70mph+ with a large swell running. Fortunately todays Hayling tide isnt massive although the new Eastoke sea defences will no doubt be tested as there may still be some surge cause by wind and waves.

At this stage Christmas Day and Boxing Day are looking calmer affairs but it all ramps up once more for the end of the week when a new depression looks set to swing in.

With the Jetstream in prime position for bowling us a seemingly never ending procession of low pressures there doesnt seem to be any let up in site. In fact long range forecasts are predicting similar wet and windy conditions right into the first week of January. The only saving grace for many islanders is the mild feel to temperatures which have been keeping winter frosts at bay.

Todays rainfall is forecast to be heavy and therell be a lot of surface water around. As such motorists are being warned to be careful when travelling. The advice is to make your journey later on in the day or tomorrow morning if possible.