A SEVERE weather warning has been issued as Hampshire prepares for heavy rain and risk of floods.

Residents have been warned to prepare for 20 to 40 millimetres of rain and gale force winds as the full attack of a wet autumn approaches.

A spokesperson for the Met Office has urged the public to be aware of flooding risks particularly in areas where leaves have fallen from trees and blocked drains.

Drivers have also been urged to be careful as the roads will be more slippery due to light rain and cold mornings last weekend keeping the ground wet.

The gusts of wind will be carrying heavy rain across the south coast, with pulses of heavy rain starting from 5pm today until 6pm on Wednesday.

The spokesperson also revealed that Southampton could expect some thunderous weather until Friday and to be careful driving on the roads at night when temperatures will drop.

But temperatures for this time of year in the city are two degrees above average, and will reach highs of 14 degrees celsius this week.