Hampshire and Isle of Wight braced for impact of Storm Ciarán

Contractors in Portsmouth have been clearing drains ahead of the storm

Measures are being put in place along the south coast to deal with likely disruption ahead of Storm Ciarán.

Hampshire County Council said its highways teams were on "full alert" to deal with problems.

An amber severe weather warning for wind across the region runs from 06:00 to 20:00 GMT on Thursday with gusts expected to reach 70mph to 80mph.

Southampton City Council said many schools would be shut and the Itchen toll bridge would be closed.

Councillor Nick Adams-King, Hampshire County Council's cabinet member for highways, said the impact of the storm was likely to be felt from late on Wednesday through until the weekend.

"Our highways teams are ready to work around the clock as necessary to keep Hampshire moving with additional frontline resources on standby," he said.

"In preparation, we will have extra specialist tree crews and emergency response gangs available, as well as drainage teams ready should the strong winds be accompanied by heavy rain, which is likely to lead to localised surface water flooding."

An amber warning of wind has been issued by the Met Office

Graeme Keddie of Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) said it was "well prepared to respond" to the storm, with 1,200 engineers in the field - five times normal staffing levels

He said: "We do expect impact to electricity supplies mainly from tree-related damage - predominantly on coastal areas - the Hampshire and Dorset coasts and the Isle of Wight - but it could track inland as well."

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum warned there was a "potential risk to life".

Southampton City Council said Itchen Bridge, linking Woolston to the city centre, would be shut from 19:00 GMT on Wednesday until the storm conditions significantly subsided.

Pupils in the city have also been told to stay at home, with many listed as closed on Thursday.

More schools under Hampshire County Council's jurisdiction have also announced they will be closing their gates.

And six overnight crossings on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route have been cancelled by ferry company Wightlink.

Southampton Airport said any decision to delay, postpone or cancel flights "would be taken by the airline who is the operator".

Elsewhere, Isle of Wight Council has issued a series of advice and warnings after roads were left impassable, trains stopped operating and homes were flooded last week.

New Forest District Council urged people to "avoid coastal areas" which are vulnerable to strong winds and heavy waves.

"Some coastal access footpaths and steps may need to be closed at short notice. Please observe any closure signs," it said.

Any fallen trees can be reported to Hampshire County Council.

All of the county council's country parks, including Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey, and farm attractions will be closed.

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, also said it would be closed as a precautionary measure for the "safety of our animals, staff and guests".