A flood warning has been issued for Southampton Water and Hamble as Storm Ciarán is set to batter Hampshire later this week.

The Met Office has already issued yellow weather warnings for rain and wind the South of England on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Environment Agency put similar warnings for flooding in place and said it is possible in Totton, Southampton, Hamble and Bursledon.

On its website, it gave the following advice: "Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one.

"Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message."

Flood alerts - a less serious grading - were also put in place at Mansbridge and Riverside Park.

Southampton City Council had already closed off Weston Parade as a precaution due to a risk of tidal flooding and West Quay Road, at the junction with Southern Road, is partially closed after being flooded during a bout of heavy rain last week.

A council spokesperson said: "We are actively monitoring other key routes including Thomas Lewis Way, Mansbridge Road, Paynes Road and Woodmill Lane to maintain access and respond to flooding incidents as necessary."

In light of the Environment Agency's update, first published on Thursday, the city council issued its own flood warning to residents.

This is because Storm Ciarán could increase the risk of surface water flooding as the rain will be falling on already saturated ground.

The spokesperson did acknowledge, however, that the 'immediate risk of tidal flooding to coastal areas' in and around Southampton is reducing as tides are starting to return to normal.

They added: "We are not currently expecting any properties to be at risk from tidal flooding, however minor flooding may be possible to low lying areas including Weston Shore, Riverside Park, the Boardwalk at St Denys, Crosshouse Hard and Mayflower Park."

They advised residents to avoid coastal areas as well as paths along the rivers - and not to enter flood water "as it may conceal hidden dangers".

When asked by the Echo if the West Quay Road flooding would be cleared before Storm Ciarán arrives, the spokesperson said they were working with their highways partner Balfour Beatty Living Places to sort the issue as soon as possible.

The public can report flooding to the Council online at southampton.gov.uk