HOMES have been evacuated in a Hampshire village after major floods.

It comes after heavy rain has battered down on the county causing chaos for thousands of people.

Fire crews from Havant, Fareham, Hythe and Hardley as well as Fareham's Water Support Unit are now dealing with a serious flood in the Emsworth area.

Residents of a 200 metre stretch of Bridge Road have been offered evacuation by police boat and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's water support unit after the road became submerged under about a metre of water.

It is understood that an elderly couple was evacuated earlier today.

Residents of the 50 properties affected by the flooding are being offered shelter in a nearby community centre.

St James' Church in Emsworth has been established as a community rest centre for householders who have been evacuated from homes affected by the floodwater.

Emergency services were called at 8.02am to St James Road which is under water.

The Isle of Wight is also experiencing severe flooding with roads into Ryde reported to be under 4ft of water.

Two primary schools in the town have also been shut after the treacherous travelling conditions.

Residents living near the Monkton Mead Brook have been advsied to put out sand bags after it burst its banks.

Firefighters have issued further safety advice to people across the county.

They say motorists should cut their speed because water is often deeper than it looks.

Pedestrians should not walk through flooded areas because fast-moving water can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers that can cause injuries.

They also urge people to look after their neighbours and only call the emergency services for immediate help if there is risk to life or serious property or environmental damage.

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and East and West Sussex and parts of Dorset.

Police have urged motorists to take extra care as travelling conditions are hazardous.

Train and ferry services were also affected as storm force winds lashed the country.