Southampton is battening down the hatches ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciaran - with the Itchen Bridge being closed.

Strong winds and heavy rain are due to sweep in tomorrow morning at 5am, and are expected to cause travel delays, flooding and damage to buildings over the next few days.

Forecasters are predicting gusts of up to 90mph at the storm's peak on Thursday, leading the Met Office to issue a rare 'danger to life' warning.

READ MORE: Met Office forecast hour by hour Southampton: Heavy rain due tonight 

As a result, Southampton City Council has decided to close the Itchen Bridge from 7pm tomorrow as a 'precautionary measure' to 'prevent accidents and injury to the public and our workforce'.

The closure will remain in place until the storm has passed, causing buses to be redirected.

The Environment Agency has also issued flood warnings for Southampton Water and Hamble, as rain will be falling on already saturated ground.

Many parts of Hampshire are already flooded.

On Sunday, Hythe Sailing Club were able to float one of their boats on Shore Road following heavy rain, and Daily Echo Camera Club member Kevin Wise took a photo of submerged woodland in Brockenhurst.

READ MORE: Storm Ciarán: Itchen Bridge in Southampton to close

Lymington Quay and Southampton City Centre near the Bargate also saw some flooding.

The Met Office's yellow rain and wind warnings are in place from 5am tomorrow until Thursday at midnight.

The amber 'danger to life' warning for wind is in place from 6am on Thursday until 8pm that day.

Regarding this, the Met Office said: "Flying debris could result in a danger to life.

"Damage to buildings and homes is possible, with roofs blown off and power lines and trees brought down.

"Roads, bridges and railway lines may close, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights.

"Power cuts could occur and affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.

"There is potential for large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties."

READ MORE: Storm Ciaran set to batter Southampton area

As well as the Itchen Bridge, Southampton City Council has closed Weston Parade as a precaution and is monitoring several other roads, including Thomas Lewis Way, Mansbridge Road, Paynes Road and Woodmill Lane.

Southern Road at the junction of West Quay Road was already partially closed due to flooding, but this was cleared as of around 2pm today.

Visit the Met Office website for further advice on how to stay safe.