High winds halt ferries and disrupt rail travel

The Red Jet crossings, which normally run every 35 minutes, were suspended on Friday morning due to high winds

Solent crossings and train journeys have been disrupted in the south of England as Storm Éowyn swept in.

Red Funnel suspended the early morning Red Jet crossings between Southampton and Cowes, Isle of Wight.

The fast catamaran was set to resume at 09:35 from West Cowes. The ferry firm said there were delays of up to 90 minutes for those booked on its car ferry.

Hovertravel crossings remain halted between Southsea and Ryde.

Recorded wind gusts:

• 80mph at The Needles, Isle of Wight

• 59mph at Portland, Dorset

• 53mph at Odiham, Hampshire

• 53mph at St Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight

• 48mph at Middle Wallop, Hampshire

Dorset Police warned drivers in the Poole area after high winds brought down several trees

Dorset Police said several large trees had been blown down overnight blocking roads around Poole.

The force urged drivers to "be aware that some roads may be closed and be careful when driving of debris".

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South Western Railway ran trains at a reduced speed between Totton and Weymouth due to high wind speeds until 09:00.

The train firm said the forecast high winds meant services running across it whole network may be cancelled, delayed or revised. It said disruption was expected until 14:00.

The train firm has advised those travelling on routes west of Basingstoke on Friday to allow extra time to complete their journey and check their route before setting out.

The high winds toppled fences and trees as they swept in on Friday morning

Work at Southampton's container terminal also had to be stopped from 02:00 until 08:00 after high winds at the terminal.

A Met Office yellow weather warning for strong winds has been issued across the south.