FORECASTERS have warned of “significant disruption” due to heavy rain and high winds today.

The Met Office said heavy rain will affect most of southern England with risk of flooding.

And the organisation pinpointed Oxfordshire as one area that might be affected.

It said: “The public should be prepared for the likelihood of some significant disruption due to the combined hazards of heavy rainfall and high winds.”

It forecast winds of 27mph in Oxford this afternoon – compared to 12mph yesterday – and rain all day, with temperatures at about 10C.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are forecast to be dry but colder, reaching a high of 6C in the day.

Network Rail was reported to be likely to impose 50mph speed restrictions this afternoon which Chiltern Railways said would result in very severe delays and cancellations.

The Highways Agency issued an amber alert and said those with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles or towing caravans should check conditions before setting out.