GALE force winds and rain have been battering the New Forest.

Gusts of up to 70mph hit Hampshire yesterday (Wednesday) as a low pressure front advanced from the Atlantic Ocean. The strong south westerly gales disrupted travel services as a second bout of heavy rain lasted throughout the day.

It came just days after torrential rain and gale force winds brought flooding, damage and blackouts across the county as thousands were left without power while others suffered flooded homes as Christmas gales lashed the south.

On Christmas Eve a woman and three dogs had to be helped out of a car stuck in floodwater in Hatches Lane, Ringwood while firefighters rescued a couple whose car was stuck in floodwater along Harpway Lane in Sopley.

Southern Electric Power Distribution has restored electricity to thousands of Hampshire homes hit by power cuts over Christmas.

Distribution director Stuart Hogarth said engineers worked through some of the worst conditions they had seen to restore power and added: “Our staff are still working in the areas affected to restore the electricity network to normal.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience, particularly at this time of year, while we restored the electricity to their homes, and the teams who have worked so hard.”