FLOOD alerts have been issued for large parts of Hampshire as Storm Jonas continues to cause chaos across the county.
The Environment Agency is warning residents to beware of rising river levels in several towns and villages, including Brockenhurst and other parts of the New Forest.
Drivers are experiencing problems in the centre of Brockenhurst, where roads often flood after heavy rain.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “About 32mm of rain has fallen in the last 18 hours and another 10mm-15mm of rain is forecast for the remainder of today.
“Levels in the Lymington River at Brockenhurst are rising and will do so for at ;least the next 14 hours, remaining high until the early hours of tomorrow.”
The spokesman said homes were unlikely to be flooded but warned that gardens in Balmer Lawn Road could be affected.
Another source of concern is the Beaulieu River, which flows into the Solent. Rising river levels, combined with a high tide between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, could result in flooding on the B3056.
The River Avon between Ringwood and Christchurch is also rising but water levels are expected to stabilise later today.
A flood alert has also been issued for Bartley Water in Totton and Eling.
“Further rainfall is expected over the next few days and residents should remain vigilant,” said the Environment Agency spokesman.
Elsewhere roads were shut and commuters hit as Storm Jonas swept across Hampshire, just days after causing snow chaos on the east coast of the United States.
Flooding has resulted in the closure of Balmer Lawn Road in Brockenhurst while standing water in other parts of the county is causing problems for drivers.
Police in the New Forest have warned of flooding under the railway bridge in Sway Road, Brockenhurst, and the ford in the centre of the village.
A statement said: “Large amounts of floodwater on Burley Road into Brockenhurst. If it looks too deep then it probably is. Don’t risk it.” Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service went to the aid of a driver whose car was trapped in floodwater at Latchmoor, near Brockenhurst.
A tree came down at Chandler’s Ford railway station, preventing trains from travelling through. The line re-opened at 7.30am but passengers trying to get to work were delayed.
Ferry services in the Solent area have also been hit by the severe weather.
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