Portsmouth, Hampshire, is preparing for a weekend of unsettled weather as strong winds and rain are expected to cause travel disruption and spray along the seafront. While Saturday may see some brighter spells, the Met Office warns that wind gusts are forecast to reach 35 mph on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
The Environment Agency has already issued flood warnings across England as of Friday, 27 February 2026. Following a wet winter, there is a risk of surface water on roads and significant spray along the Southsea coastline, especially during the heavy rain expected on Sunday morning.
Commuters using the Hovertravel crossing to the Isle of Wight may face delays or cancellations, as services often stop when wind gusts reach these levels. Residents and coastal businesses are advised to secure loose outdoor items and check for travel updates before starting their journeys.
The weather arrives just as Portsmouth City Council prepares for a major new phase of sea defence work. The promenade between Speakers’ Corner and South Parade Pier will close on Monday, 2 March 2026, to allow for the next stage of the coastal protection project.
Work to expand the beach and place new shingle is also reaching a milestone, with this part of the project expected to finish by the end of March 2026. The new defences are being built to protect more than 10,000 homes in the city from the increasing threat of coastal flooding.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
