An amber weather warning has been issued for the Isle of Wight as Storm Bella approaches our shores, with 100mph winds expected to hit the Island this weekend.
IW Met Service has issued the warning for the period covering 18:00 on Boxing Day until 11:00 on Sunday 27th December.
Forecasters warn that an area of low pressure will sink across the UK through Saturday night and into Sunday morning and as it does some very strong winds will develop along its southern edge.
Southwesterly gusts of 60-70mph are likely in many parts of the Island with gusts of 80-90mph possible around exposed coasts and hills. Gusts in excess of 100mph may even be possible around The Needles.
A spell of potentially very heavy rain will also accompany the strongest winds and this may bring with it additional hazards.
The worst of the weather is expected before sunrise on Sunday.
The amber warning has been issued as there is the risk of structural damage along with falling tree debris and downed trees. There are likely to be travel and transport disruptions across the Isle of Wight, including to cross-Solent travel.
Additionally, there is an advisory in place for black ice on the Isle of Wight tonight. Temperatures will fall to freezing in many parts and due to the continuing breeze this will lead to an ‘invisible’ frost in many places, according to IW Met Service. Field run-off from the recent rainfall is likely to freeze on untreated roads, especially in rural areas leading to black ice.
Follow Island Echo for all the latest updates throughout the storm…
