High winds halt ferries and disrupt rail travel

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 were also back running again by late morning 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 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".

• How to protect your home before, during and after a storm
• What are my rights if my home is damaged?
• Storm Éowyn – follow live updates from across the UK

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.

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.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.