CROSS-SOLENT ferry services have been hit this afternoon (Friday) by strong winds and a downpour of rain.

Hovertravel's service has been off all day, but Red Funnel's Red Jet service now too has been cancelled.

A spokesperson for Red Funnel said: "Adverse wind conditions, coupled with the direction of the tide, has resulted in significant wave heights across the Solent.

At this time, the 4.45pm, 5.15pm, 5.45pm and 6.15pm sailings from Southampton to West Cowes and the 4.45pm, 5.15pm, 5.45pm, 6.15pm and 6.45pm sailings from West Cowes to Southampton have been cancelled until further notice.

Customers are advised to check before they travel.

A spokesperson said: "Conditions will be reviewed hourly, until safe to return to operation."

There have also been delays on the Red Funnel vehicle ferry service from East Cowes due to the weather.

UPDATE 19:16

The Red Jet service has returned to timetable and Hovertravel is also back on.