Strong winds of up to 51mph are set to hit Southampton as Storm Bert sweeps in.

Heavy rain is forecast along with the wind and is set to batter the city today and tomorrow.

A yellow weather warning for wind and rain has been issued for today and tomorrow, with heavy downpours predicted to last throughout both days.

Rain is expected from 2am on Saturday all the way through to 11pm, with downpours expected to get heavier.

Winds up to 51mph are expected from 5pm to 8pm in Southampton.

Sunday is set to see winds of up to 53mph between midnight and 9am on Sunday.

Among the events cancelled is the inaugural Christmas market at Itchen Valley Country Park.

Set to be the first of its kind market at the West End park, organisers told of their disappointment at the decision, adding that it was made “for the safety of our visitors and stallholders”.

READ MORE: Hour-by-hour weekend forecast as city braces for Storm Bert

All the trails at the park will also be closed, with the Festive Trail due to reopen on Monday, November 25.

The highly anticipated Christmas lights switch-on event in Romsey will not take place.

The popular event welcomes dozens of people to the town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season.

The switch-on was scrapped to keep people safe, but organisers at the town council said the lights will be turned on over the weekend for “everyone to enjoy” when they next visit.

The Sir Harold Hillier Arboretum and Gardens will also be closed today due to the high gusting winds forecast by the Met Office.

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Posting on social media, a spokesperson said: "We apologise for any disappointment.

"Artful Christmas Weekend, the Café and gift shop will remain open.

"Please take care when travelling to the Gardens and check our website for further updates."

Despite all this, there is good news as the Fareham Christmas lights switch-on is going ahead today - but it is being scaled back.

The festive market will still take place in the old Clarks store within the Fareham Shopping Centre.

Visitors to the shopping centre can also look forward to community performances, interactions with walkabout artists, and appearances by cast members from the Fareham Live pantomime, 'Cinderella'.