STORMY weather caused problems at the weekend – with more disruption expected today as the Christmas getaway begins.

Strong winds and heavy rain on Saturday led to the cancellation of Boscombe’s Winter Solstice parade, although a smaller version did still take place under cover in the Sovereign Centre.

Had the weather played ball it would have included performers and residents carrying hand-held lanterns, all led by a giant Chinese Dragon.

Carols at Christchurch’s Saxon Square had to be moved indoors and police were called to Clifton Road, Southbourne, after tarpaulin sheets on a building site became unsafe.

The roads were beset with standing water, with the A35 between the Baker’s Arms and Bere Regis reported as particularly bad.

A tree on the line at Pokesdown caused some delays for trains on Saturday morning.

With the Met Office issuing an amber warning for severe rain for the region, Condor Ferries has cancelled its high speed sailings between the Channel Isles and Weymouth and warned that conventional ferries could also be delayed.

While shoppers enjoyed a short lull in the angry weather on Sunday, the forecast from 7am today is for another intense area of low pressure to hit the area, causing heavy rain in the south.

Strong south to south-westerly winds will accompany the rain, especially along exposed coasts and hills where gales or severe gales are likely.

The Met Office is warning of the risk of localised flooding and possible disruption to transport.

Its chief forecaster said: “This will bring 20-40mm rainfall quite widely, with over 60mm likely across parts of the high ground of southern England.

“Meanwhile, south to south-westerly winds will increase with gusts 70-80mph likely around exposed coasts, particularly along the English Channel. Further inland, gusts of 50-60mph are likely through the amber area, with a lower risk of gusts reaching 70mph – across southeast England during the evening.”