HAMPSHIRE is bracing itself for damage and destruction as high winds are set to batter the country tonight.

Gusts of up to 80mph and torrential rain are forecast to lash the county as the first named storm of the season hits the region from midnight - potentially damaging buildings, triggering blackouts and causing travel chaos.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for strong winds and a yellow warning for heavy rain for the county and south East England ahead of Storm Angus sweeping across the region.

People are being warned to prepare for disruption on travel services, interruptions to power supplies and some damage to buildings.

Storm Angus is expected to bring strong winds to coastal communities tonight and into the early hours as it moves northeast across the south of the country bringing heavy showers.

Southerly, then south westerly gales are likely with storm force winds developing over the English Channel.

Up to 40mm of rain is expected to within a six to nine hour period and isolated gusts of up to 75mph and squally showers are expected further inland.

Conditions are expected to improve from the west during the late morning and early afternoon.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Please be aware of the risk of difficult driving conditions due to localised surface water flooding and possible debris from trees.”