SEVERE downpours are set to batter Hampshire after a weather warning was issued for the county.

Showers and wet weather have already swept across Southampton this morning but conditions are expected to get worse.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain which is in place until 8pm this evening.

A statement said: “Heavy, possibly thundery, showers or some longer spells of rain are expected to become more widespread through today, particularly this afternoon and early evening.

“Although some places will miss the heavier rain, where it occurs, please be aware of the possibility of local surface water flooding.”