TEAMS looking after Hampshire’s highways are on “full alert” ready for Storm Eunice which is set to hit the county during the early hours of Friday.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning covering Andover. 

Read more: Met Office issues weather warning for Hampshire

The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Frank Saunders, warned that “significant disruption is possible” from strong winds caused by Storm Eunice.

He added: “Storm Eunice is expected to track eastwards from early on Friday, bringing the most significant winds to the central and southern areas of the UK, with some gusts possible in excess of 95mph in exposed coastal areas.”

Hampshire County Council said its highways teams are ready to “work around the clock”.

Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, the council’s member for highways operations, said: “Following the Met Office Yellow Weather warning for this latest storm, our highways teams are ready to work round the clock if needs be, with additional frontline resources on standby in order to keep Hampshire moving.

“They are braced to deal with the consequences from the expected gusts of wind up to 60-70 mph inland, and possibly up to 80 mph in exposed costal locations. In preparation, we will have extra specialist tree crews and emergency response gangs available, as well as drainage teams on standby should the strong wind be accompanied by heavy rain.

“Before setting out on a journey on Friday and over the weekend, I would ask that anyone checks the weather forecast and traffic information before they head off and consider if their journey is absolutely necessary. Anyone who must travel, is urged to please be prepared and drive according to the conditions.”

The strongest winds are expected to be between 9am and 3pm on Friday and the Environment Agency has warned that a storm tidal surge of 50 cm is likely in coastal areas.

Emergency issues on the highway can be reported to the county council by phoning: 0300 555 1388 (8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) or outside of office hours, call 101.

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