Met Office weather warning extended southwards with problems for rail and air travellers

Strong to gale force winds forecast in West Berkshire and Hampshire

A WEATHER warning for strong winds is in place for Berkshire and Hampshire today (Thursday).

The Met Office extended the yellow (be aware) weather warning affecting large parts of the UK southwards at 8am today, effective until 8pm, including for strong winds, with gusts of 60 to 70 mph likely on coasts and hills.

While the strongest winds are likely to be short-lived, damage to structures, interruptions to power supplies and widespread disruption to travel networks are likely, with a danger of injury from flying debris.

Trees are also likely to be damaged or blown over.

The high winds this morning brought down a tree across both carriageways near St Gabriel's school at Sandleford Priory in Newbury. (picture courtesy of Abi Kemp)

Heavy rain is also likely through Thursday as well as some snow over high ground as the system clears eastwards.

The weather warning also applies to Newbury today, where it is also forecast to remain dry and overcast with sunny spells.

Flights from Heathrow are affected by the weather, with air travellers advised to check for any cancellations before setting off.

The weather has caused problems for rail travellers from Reading station this morning, with a number of lines blocked, causing delays of up to 60 minutes on some services and some cancellations.

A tree fallen on the lines between Reading and Guildford disrupted rail travel until 10am, with another tree fallen on rail lines between Reading and Wokingham.

Many trains are operating under speed restrictions of 50mph due to the high winds, causing further delays and cancellations.

Rail travellers are advised to check journey details in advance, for more information about cancellations visit www.gwr.com/travel-updates/live-network-updates.