Petersfield and East Hampshire is bracing itself for Storm Imogen, which will be sweeping into the district in the early hours of Monday morning.

High winds and heavy rain are expected by weather forecasters and the Met Office has issued an ’Amber Warning - Be Prepared’ for Hampshire from 3am on Monday morning through until 6pm.

High winds with gusts of up to 60-70mph are expected in the district, with gusts expected to reach around 80mph in the coastal areas of Hampshire and West Sussex.

Forecasters are warning that coastal areas could see giant waves throughout the day and localised flooding problems.

The Met Office’s weather warning stated: "Please be prepared for disruption to travel as well as possible damage to trees and structures, and interruption of power supplies."

The weather is expected to cause disruption to Monday morning’s rush hour and rail passengers are being urged to check service updates before they set out from home on Monday morning.

Train speeds were reduced on services between Portsmouth and London Waterloo on Sunday evening and South West Trains said they would be running trains throughout the night to ensure the tracks were safe for use in the morning.

The rail company has warned that Monday’s early services could be hit by cancellations if the weather proves to be particularly difficult. A South West Trains spokesman said they were expecting the worst of the weather to be between 11am and 3pm on Monday.

Hampshire Police have also warned residents to prepare for the storm and take extra care on roads during Monday.

A Police spokesman said: "Winds are expected to reach 60-70mph and 80mph in coastal areas. The strongest winds are expected between 7am and 3pm.

"This is likely to lead to difficult driving conditions and travel service disruption over the morning rush hour, fallen trees and minor structural damage.

"The advice is to only travel if necessary, particularly in coastal areas.

"This evening (Sunday) it is advisable to secure loose outdoor items such as garden furniture or ladders; and bring in as many items as possible that are lying around outside."