Flood warnings remain in place across Hampshire

The Environment Agency is urging residents to take action to reduce the impacts of flooding as three flood warnings have been issued for the coast in Hampshire and West Sussex. High tides from mid-morning today, combined with strong winds, are predicted to cause coastal flooding along the south coast.

Heavy showers are forecast across the South East today and the low pressure system is expected to bring wet and stormy conditions to the south coast throughout the day.

Gale force south-easterly winds, large waves, and a moderate storm surge during today and over the weekend, combined with the peak spring tides, is expected to create large waves with some impact from spray or wave overtopping.

The current flood warnings in force are for the coast from Beaulieu to Calshot and The Hamble estuary.

Meanwhile, Grange Road in Netley is flooded, causing problems for motorists.

Parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are also being forecast to receive up 10-20mm of rainfall throughout today, which has the potential to cause minor disruption and lead to possible flood alerts being issued. Isolated areas may receive up to 30mm of rainfall.

The tidal gates in Portsmouth and the Lymington sea wall gates have been closed this morning. The Environment Agency is in close communication with local authorities and emergency services to prepare for any potential impacts as a result of the weather.

Andrew Gilham, Environment Agency Flood and Coastal Risk Manager, said: “Overnight the storms have not had any major impacts, but the worst of the weather is still to come and with high tides due later this morning, we are working hard to prepare and to make sure our professional partners are prepared. We have officers out checking flood defences, closing flood gates and clearing any river blockages. We are receiving regular updates from the Met Office, and will continuously monitor both tidal conditions and river levels to ensure we are prepared.

“We currently have three flood warnings in place in Hampshire and West Sussex, and we are urging people in the area most likely to be affected to be aware and to take appropriate action. People should be aware that there could be a lot of water around, so avoid trying to drive or walk through any flooding and be sensible when out and about, particularly around the coast. Now is a good time for anyone who lives in an area vulnerable to flooding to think about the precautions they can take to protect their properties, and I would encourage everybody to check their flood risk at the Environment Agency website.”