The major incident which was declared ahead of Storm Ciarán has now been downgraded across Hampshire. 

The Hampshire Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum announced the major incident response was downgraded just before 2pm today. 

Emergency services and local authorities are continuing to support residents with the ongoing yellow weather warning for rain in place. 

But the resilience forum - a partnership of councils and emergency services - said the region has "thankfully not encountered the extent of the weather forecast which has been seen in other regions". 

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo, chair of the LRF response for Storm Ciarán, said: "Having reviewed the forecasts, we made the decision yesterday to declare a major incident, to enable us to ensure the safety of all our residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

READ MORE: Storm Ciarán hits Southampton and Hampshire - live updates

"Whilst we have seen flooding of properties and roads, power outages and disruption to the highways networks caused by the wind and rain, we have thankfully not seen the full extent of the forecast weather, and we are now in a position to stand down the major incident response. 

"However, this does not mean our support ends, and all agencies will continue to be available to you, should you require them, with rainfall set to continue into the weekend."

The weather warning is due to remain in place until the end of today with a wind warning due to expire at 5pm. 

The forum is still encouraging people to travel with care and check before setting off due to a number of road closures due to obstructions or flooding.

A spokesperson for the forum added: "The weather and road closures may not affect everyone and people are advised to check the Met Office Find a Forecast web page for any changes before making their journey.

"Advice about travel, your home and wellbeing can be also be found on the Met Office website.

"People are also advised to check transport operators (rail, ferry and bus) websites and social media channels for any updates before travelling."