DRIVERS have been rescued from floods after being stuck in water across Hampshire.

Cars were abandoned at roadsides throughout the New Forest when they broke down after trying to plough through flooded roads.

One 18-year-old driver - who passed her test just six months ago - was left “very scared” when she had to be pulled out of water by firefighters on Beaulieu Road while Hampshire police redirected traffic around the deep water.

Her mum, who didn’t want to be named, said: “There was a car in front of her which got stuck, and then the water was almost up to her windows.”

Another driver stranded in his red Mazda was rescued by fire crews from Shore Road in Hythe when water flooded his vehicle, while Carolina Filipe from Totton had to leave her Beetle by the side of the road when it broke down.

In Lymington Environment Agency workers have been managing the flood gates on the town quay since Monday to try to stop water coming onto the road - with more success on some days than others.

Pumps have also been deployed to help drains cope with the amount of water being brought in on the “exceptionally” high tide.

A result of the full moon and the tail end of extreme weather conditions brought in by storm Eleanor the flooding covered walkways around the quay – but thankfully didn’t stop businesses from operating.

However fisherman Graham Butler, 71, was prevented from getting access to the waterside because the flood gates were closed. He said: “I’ve lost business since before Christmas because of the severe weather, but that’s to be expected.

“We’ve had extremely high tides and 40 knott winds. But I think our fishing will be a lot better for this storm because the sea beds will have had a good clean up and the crabs and lobsters will be feeding well. And that’s speaking with 52 years of experience.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Strong winds and a coastal surge are still forecast, conditions which could result in large waves and some high water levels around the times of high tides. There are currently a number of flood alerts in place for Hampshire.

“Our teams are out clearing blockages and checking flood defences across the southeast and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

Duty manager John O’Flynn added: “Although there is still uncertainty over where the highest tides will be, we are ready, taking action and doing as much as we can to reduce flood risk. We advise people to remain vigilant for flood warnings across Hampshire. If they receive a flood warning they should take appropriate action to protect their property.”

The Environment Agency advises to avoid walking along coastal paths when there are large waves and not to drive through flood water.