Extremely high winds are forecast for the next few days, warns the MCA, with the outlook from 0500 tomorrow morning suggesting Gale Force 8 to Storm 10, perhaps even Violent Storm 11 later.

The worst weather is expected on Saturday but mariners can always check with the Coastguard or log onto the Met Office website for the latest information.

Currently at Lee on Solent near Portsmouth, coastguards are reporting southwesterly wind, Force 7, gusting Gale Force 8 with good visibility but a rough sea.

Its only a few days after Spring tides so the sea will also be fairly high at high tide, which combined with the strong winds could make being anywhere near the coast potentially hazardous. Anyone planning to venture near the coastline should take extreme care. Coastguards always warn against wave watching from promenades or piers during extreme weather conditions, with a high risk of being swept into the water.

If mariners are concerned about their craft in ports or harbours by all means check them from a safe location ashore but you are strongly advised not to go out to vessels on moorings over the next few days. Solent Coastguard have dealt with incidents in the past, including a fatal accident, where people have got into difficulty whilst attempting to row out to their boat in a small dinghy. If you have reason to believe your boat is not secure on a mooring, contact the harbour master.

Photo courtesy of MET Office: chart for 1200 UTC Saturday 24 November