THE SOUTH was expected to be battered by gale force winds again today reaching predicted speeds of 80mph.

Forecasters have issued a weather warning for the south, particularly exposed areas and along the coast, as south westerly gales were on the way.

The Met Office say there is a 60 per cent chance that winds ranging from 60 to 80mph could hit the south from 9pm today and throughout Thursday.

"There is a weather warning in place as far as the wind is concerned given the strong gale force south westerly winds," said a spokesman.

Last time strong winds hit Hampshire the roof of a block of flats at Golden Grove in Southampton was blown off. Residents were evacuated while repairs were carried out.

Forecasters were also warning of persistent rain throughout the latter part of today and into tomorrow morning.

Storms are expected to sweep across the entire country over the next few days.

The weather will be followed by a cold snap which could last five days and bring snow to Scotland, northern England and parts of the Midlands next week.

A Met office spokesman said: "It is unlikely London and the south east of England will get much snow - certainly not enough to cause any major disruption."