WINDS of up to 70mph are set to batter Hampshire as two weather warnings have been issued for the county.

Today strong winds and rain are set to lash the county and the conditions will get even worse on Monday as Storm Katie makes its way across Hampshire.

The Met Office say strong winds accompanied by heavy rain will move east across England and Wales today and are expected to bring gusts of up to 60 mph some inland areas.

The torrid conditions will ease tomorrow but come back with a vengeance on Monday as Storm Katie hits the UK.

It is expected the storm will pass through Hampshire in the early hours of Monday morning.

A national severe weather warning for strong winds has been issued as an area of low pressure will affect southern England.

The Met Office say the storm will bring a period of heavy rain, while the strong winds could result in fallen trees and disruption to power supplies, in coastal areas there is a risk of large waves battering the coastline.

Chief Operational Meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: "Southern England and south Wales will see very strong winds from the early hours of Monday morning.

“There is the potential for gusts of 50-60mph in inland areas. Exposed south- and west-facing coasts could even see gusts of around 70mph, with the possibility of large waves.

"We expect the winds will start to ease in south-western Britain from mid morning, this improvement reaching other areas by late afternoon or early evening."

“Met Office meteorologists will continue to monitor the progress, development and path of Storm Katie.”

"There is currently some uncertainty about the track that Storm Katie will take, so we urge everyone, especially those travelling on Easter Monday, to look out for the latest information from the Met Office."