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Violent storm winds batter county
6:28pm Monday 10th March 2008
By Julian Robinson »
Click here to see some of our readers' pictures.
Hampshire has been hit by a deluge of horrific weather conditions, with widespread flooding and other problems across the county.
High tide at noon coupled with force 11 winds shortly afterwards spelt misery for many.
After a midmorning lull, the weather hit back this afternoon to bring a repeat performance of the travel chaos and disruption it caused across the county during the early part of today.
By mid-afternoon police have received 200 weather-related calls since storm conditions began in the early hours this morning.
Fallen trees, broken power lines and concerns over flooding have formed the majority of the calls to Hampshire constabulary.
Earlier today power cables and phone lines were down in Barton-on-Sea and Dibden respectively as high winds and lashing rain settled in across the county.
Officers are advising people to take extreme precautions and avoid coastal areas with further storms expected this afternoon coupled with high tides.
Earlier, coastguards said that off Hurst Castle in the Solent the wind reached near hurricane force which would be 73 miles an hour.
Trees have been uprooted and buildings damaged along the south, with the emergency services bracing themselves after a night of gale-force winds.
The Red Jets and Red Funnel ferries between Southampton and Cowes on the the Isle of Wight were suspended but are now working normally.
Trees have blocked roads all over Hampshire, including the A326 Marchwood bypass, the A32 in West Meon and Gore Road in New Milton.
A tree has also blocked the route from Everton to Wainsford, near Lymington.
The Environment Agency currently has seven severe flood warnings in force, 48 flood warnings and 53 flood watches.
The Southampton-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency advised members of the public to stay away from the waves, but reported there had been no serious incidents overnight.
They added: "Due to inclement weather conditions, the Coastguard would advise all mariners and visitors to the coast to be very wary over the next few days.
"There may be some extremely difficult weather conditions out at sea and on exposed coastlines. As always, it is important to be aware of the weather, tides and sea conditions prior to making any excursion to the coast or out to sea, and the Coastguard is available 24 hrs a day to provide that information."
The Met Office has severe weather warnings in place for most of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and central Scotland.
Last night Gordon Brown held a crisis telephone conference with officials from the EA, the Met Office and relevant government departments, as well as the emergency services and armed forces, to discuss the storm.
P&O Ferries have also cancelled its sailing from Bilbao to Portsmouth because of the severe weather warning.
The National Rail website warned commuters to expect delays on the railways, imposing a temporary speed limit south of Basingstoke.
Sancha Lancaster, a spokeswoman for the Met Office, said rail delays were particularly likely on vulnerable lines such as the London to Penzance route, and the very worst weather was due to strike during the afternoon rush hour.
She said: ''The strongest gusts of wind, reaching up to 80mph, are likely to happen between midday and late afternoon, affecting afternoon rush hour and possible coinciding with high tides on the south and west coasts."
The Environment Agency has opened its national incident room, warning of the risk of high waves and flooding in Wales, the south west, and southern England.
Paul Leinster, Environment Agency director of operations, said there would be a ''potent cocktail'' of strong winds, wave action and high tides from last night until Wednesday.
''The gale force winds will combine with spring high tides to significantly elevate the water levels along the coast by up to 1.5 metres over normal levels, which is likely to cause some flooding."
If you believe you are at risk of flooding call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.
Click here to see some of our readers' pictures.
Your Say YourEcho
Micky Fish, says...
10:04am Mon 10 Mar 08
Wendy Day wrote:Yes, sadly for the media on a slow news days, its just not as bad as they hoped. Gusts of 55mph were recorded...not 80 i'm afraid. One or two trees have come down but that's about the size of it. No "Great Hurricane" for you, Mr Editor. Sorry !
It\'s a tad brusque today I must admit, but this is a little over the top isn\'t it ?
I\'ve seen a couple of wheeliebins blown over and that\'s about it !
sally, says...
10:06am Mon 10 Mar 08
GL, Hants says...
10:15am Mon 10 Mar 08
The only tree I saw down on the A326 Marchwood bypass was a rather small one near The Priory which didn't even reach the road!
There weren't any signs of larger ones having already been removed and there certainly weren't any delays.
Captain Swing, Bellow Bar says...
10:29am Mon 10 Mar 08
It would appear rough to Echo staff I immagine, because they all seem to be maiden aunts.
local, says...
10:31am Mon 10 Mar 08
Car driver, says...
10:56am Mon 10 Mar 08
Micky Fish wrote:Nothing from the Echo on the 12 car pile up on the M3 North of Eastleigh yesterday. The BBC carried the story at 18:20 Sunday.
Wendy Day wrote: It\'s a tad brusque today I must admit, but this is a little over the top isn\'t it ? I\'ve seen a couple of wheeliebins blown over and that\'s about it !Yes, sadly for the media on a slow news days, its just not as bad as they hoped. Gusts of 55mph were recorded...not 80 i'm afraid. One or two trees have come down but that's about the size of it. No "Great Hurricane" for you, Mr Editor. Sorry !
Wills, says...
11:00am Mon 10 Mar 08
Hants, Ocean Village says...
11:01am Mon 10 Mar 08
N, Woolston says...
11:33am Mon 10 Mar 08
Captain Swing, Below Bar says...
11:57am Mon 10 Mar 08
N wrote:I don't know about the other posters on this site, but I just can't work up the enthusiasm to panic - but I guess we can count on the Echo to do it for us.
We are right in the middle of the lull before the storm. It will hit Hampshires coast between 2.30 and 3.30pm peakind aroun 4pm
Bill Jilgewater, at sea says...
12:00pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Wills wrote:Wills, if you meant to say '73mph??? NOT exactly hurricane' then you are wrong 73mph and above is designated a hurricane according to the Beaufort scale.
73mph??? No exactly hurricane force is it! Wouldn\'t even make a category 1 hurricane. It\'s a bit of wind and look at all the fuss created, I could understand if a Katrina style storm was heading this way I would panic but as usual it is broadcast way over the top.
Hants, Ocean Village says...
12:05pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Although, it could be the neighbours side - Fingers crossed)
balding barry, says...
12:47pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Hants wrote:my wigg has just blown off me head
You lot have jinxed me! One of my fence panels just blew down! Although, it could be the neighbours side - Fingers crossed)
Michael Fish, BBC says...
12:51pm Mon 10 Mar 08
don't worry their isn't.
Sue, Fareham says...
12:52pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Roads however no problem for me this morning getting to Colden Common, I expected trees to be down similar to the storm of 1987?? But no, over dramatised by the media!!
Hants, Ocean Village says...
12:53pm Mon 10 Mar 08
balding barry wrote:LOL
Hants wrote: You lot have jinxed me! One of my fence panels just blew down! Although, it could be the neighbours side - Fingers crossed)my wigg has just blown off me head
What colour was it? I'll look out for it and return it to you ;-)
Jack, Southampton says...
1:04pm Mon 10 Mar 08
balding barry, lookin for my wigg says...
1:57pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Hants wrote:it's ginger and it's quite destinctive as i had an accident with the eggs this morning, when i was making my breakfast :-(
balding barry wrote:LOL What colour was it? I'll look out for it and return it to you ;-)Hants wrote: You lot have jinxed me! One of my fence panels just blew down! Although, it could be the neighbours side - Fingers crossed)my wigg has just blown off me head
Wills, says...
2:00pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Bill Jilgewater wrote:74-95 mph winds are hurricane force scale 1, 73 mph therefore are only listed as a tropical storm. Therefore this is not classed as a hurricane as broadcast by the Echo!
Wills wrote: 73mph??? No exactly hurricane force is it! Wouldn\'t even make a category 1 hurricane. It\'s a bit of wind and look at all the fuss created, I could understand if a Katrina style storm was heading this way I would panic but as usual it is broadcast way over the top.Wills, if you meant to say '73mph??? NOT exactly hurricane' then you are wrong 73mph and above is designated a hurricane according to the Beaufort scale.
Chappers, says...
2:04pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Freddo, says...
2:06pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Sue wrote:Yet if it wasn't over dramatised and it was similar to 1987 then you'd still be complaining, weather men, like men in general, just can't win.
Was kept awake all night with the wind and rain, only to discover this morning the wind has snapped a trellis display in the garden and up rooted some lovely plants!
Roads however no problem for me this morning getting to Colden Common, I expected trees to be down similar to the storm of 1987?? But no, over dramatised by the media!!
If you work too hard, you're not spending enough time with her. If you don't work hard enough, you're a good-for-nothing bum.
If she has a boring repetitive job with low pay, it's exploitation. If you have a boring repetitive job with low pay, you should get off your butt and find something better.
If you get a promotion ahead of her, it's favoritism. If she gets a job ahead of you, it's equal opportunity.
If you mention how nice she looks, it's sexual harassment. If you keep quiet, it's male indifference.
If you cry, you're a wimp. If you don't, you're insensitive.
If you make a decision without consulting her, you're a chauvinist. If she makes a decision without consulting you, she's a liberated woman.
If you ask her to do something she doesn't enjoy, that's domination. If she asks you, it's a favor.
If you try to keep yourself in shape, you're vain. If you don't, you're a slob.
If you buy her flowers, you're after something. If you don't, you're not thoughtful.
CyberWarrior, soton says...
2:06pm Mon 10 Mar 08
windy fella overseas, hong kong says...
2:43pm Mon 10 Mar 08
seriously, be careful
Bill Jilgewater, says...
2:43pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Wills wrote:Wills, you appear to be using the little know Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rather than the Beaufort scale. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is little know around here for the very fact that in Hampshire we hardly have Hurricanes
Bill Jilgewater wrote:74-95 mph winds are hurricane force scale 1, 73 mph therefore are only listed as a tropical storm. Therefore this is not classed as a hurricane as broadcast by the Echo!Wills wrote: 73mph??? No exactly hurricane force is it! Wouldn\\\\\\\'t even make a category 1 hurricane. It\\\\\\\'s a bit of wind and look at all the fuss created, I could understand if a Katrina style storm was heading this way I would panic but as usual it is broadcast way over the top.Wills, if you meant to say \\\'73mph??? NOT exactly hurricane\\\' then you are wrong 73mph and above is designated a hurricane according to the Beaufort scale.
King Mush, Woolston says...
2:46pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Electromonkey, St Denys says...
2:56pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Allison, Fareham says...
2:57pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Christoff, says...
3:04pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Freddo wrote:blimey Freddo, were listening to my argument with her indoors this morning?!! ;-)
Sue wrote: Was kept awake all night with the wind and rain, only to discover this morning the wind has snapped a trellis display in the garden and up rooted some lovely plants! Roads however no problem for me this morning getting to Colden Common, I expected trees to be down similar to the storm of 1987?? But no, over dramatised by the media!!Yet if it wasn't over dramatised and it was similar to 1987 then you'd still be complaining, weather men, like men in general, just can't win. If you work too hard, you're not spending enough time with her. If you don't work hard enough, you're a good-for-nothing bum. If she has a boring repetitive job with low pay, it's exploitation. If you have a boring repetitive job with low pay, you should get off your butt and find something better. If you get a promotion ahead of her, it's favoritism. If she gets a job ahead of you, it's equal opportunity. If you mention how nice she looks, it's sexual harassment. If you keep quiet, it's male indifference. If you cry, you're a wimp. If you don't, you're insensitive. If you make a decision without consulting her, you're a chauvinist. If she makes a decision without consulting you, she's a liberated woman. If you ask her to do something she doesn't enjoy, that's domination. If she asks you, it's a favor. If you try to keep yourself in shape, you're vain. If you don't, you're a slob. If you buy her flowers, you're after something. If you don't, you're not thoughtful.
Hants, Ocean Village says...
3:08pm Mon 10 Mar 08
King Mush wrote:I hope you took the chicken to the vets! Don't want the RSPCA investigating you!
I was walking past a farm today. So windy - I saw this chicken lay the same egg three times.
;-)
Jim, Naples, Florida.USA says...
3:39pm Mon 10 Mar 08
St Mary, Stadium says...
3:44pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Libertarian, Winchester says...
3:51pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Sue wrote:It's not over-dramatised. It's called a "Warning". That's WARNING not GUARANTEE. I think the over-reaction may have been all yours.
Was kept awake all night with the wind and rain, only to discover this morning the wind has snapped a trellis display in the garden and up rooted some lovely plants!
Roads however no problem for me this morning getting to Colden Common, I expected trees to be down similar to the storm of 1987?? But no, over dramatised by the media!!
Would you rather they had played it down Sue? I wonder if the people of Dorset feel the same? They got totally bettered by the storm. Or the 4500 folk without electricity...
So sorry to hear about your plants.
Hants, Ocean Village says...
3:51pm Mon 10 Mar 08
balding barry wrote:Found it!
Hants wrote:it's ginger and it's quite destinctive as i had an accident with the eggs this morning, when i was making my breakfast :-(balding barry wrote:LOL What colour was it? I'll look out for it and return it to you ;-)Hants wrote: You lot have jinxed me! One of my fence panels just blew down! Although, it could be the neighbours side - Fingers crossed)my wigg has just blown off me head
I've BLOWN the dirt off it for you and hung it from my roof to aire.
Maybe it will fly back to you soon.
Iain, Lordshill says...
4:37pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Jack wrote:Hmm, interesting idea. Did it work? If so, you can guess what I'll be doing tomorrow...
A woman in our office wants to go home because of the rain and wind!! Can you believe it!!!
Roy Walker, says...
5:02pm Mon 10 Mar 08
hhhht
Totton Resident, Totton says...
5:22pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Fisherman, Pond says...
5:31pm Mon 10 Mar 08
I was hoping to catch some imagination (I mean fish)
electromonkey, says...
6:19pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Fisherman wrote:I really don't think I imagined the water at my doorstep and me carrying all my belongings upstairs earlier today, be thankful that all you people had enough time to write rubbish all day while the residents of our road were heaving sand bags about!
Well at 17:30 this evening i\'m sitting in my garden with my rod and no water! What\'s going on, has the sun dried everything up? I was hoping to catch some imagination (I mean fish)
Hants, Ocean Village says...
6:35pm Mon 10 Mar 08
electromonkey wrote:Blimey!
Fisherman wrote: Well at 17:30 this evening i\'m sitting in my garden with my rod and no water! What\'s going on, has the sun dried everything up? I was hoping to catch some imagination (I mean fish)I really don't think I imagined the water at my doorstep and me carrying all my belongings upstairs earlier today, be thankful that all you people had enough time to write rubbish all day while the residents of our road were heaving sand bags about!
Where are you? It's been the odd heavy rain shower and some gusts of wind in the City throughout the day, but that's been about it.
I have seen no sign of the major storm as yet. Knowing my luck it will hit me as soon as I press enter key LOL
Good luck to anyone who may have been affected!
A Floater, says...
7:06pm Mon 10 Mar 08
electromonkey wrote:Pretty much as predicted by the flood maps held by the Environment Agency. Where abouts are you? Towards the end of Priory Road near Horseshoe Bridge ?
Fisherman wrote:I really don't think I imagined the water at my doorstep and me carrying all my belongings upstairs earlier today, be thankful that all you people had enough time to write rubbish all day while the residents of our road were heaving sand bags about!
Well at 17:30 this evening i\'m sitting in my garden with my rod and no water! What\'s going on, has the sun dried everything up? I was hoping to catch some imagination (I mean fish)
electromonkey, says...
7:25pm Mon 10 Mar 08
A Floater wrote:Yep, apparently it's done it a few times over the years but it's our first time so was a bit hair raising! As you point out the flood maps do show our house underwater so it's only to be expected!
electromonkey wrote:Pretty much as predicted by the flood maps held by the Environment Agency. Where abouts are you? Towards the end of Priory Road near Horseshoe Bridge ?Fisherman wrote: Well at 17:30 this evening i\'m sitting in my garden with my rod and no water! What\'s going on, has the sun dried everything up? I was hoping to catch some imagination (I mean fish)I really don't think I imagined the water at my doorstep and me carrying all my belongings upstairs earlier today, be thankful that all you people had enough time to write rubbish all day while the residents of our road were heaving sand bags about!
Henrys mate, says...
7:32pm Mon 10 Mar 08
ex sot'on, Abingdon says...
7:37pm Mon 10 Mar 08
lewis, wolverhampton says...
8:04pm Mon 10 Mar 08
King Mush, Woolston says...
9:33pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Jim wrote:lol
75 F here Where are you biljwater?
Just wait till the next hurricane hits y'all...........
WG, Bishops Waltham says...
11:03pm Mon 10 Mar 08
FB, Southsea says...
11:06pm Mon 10 Mar 08
Hants, Ocean Village says...
11:44pm Mon 10 Mar 08
A bit of rain the odd gust of wind. But luckily we have survived, apart from one fence panel, which turns out to be the neighbours (thank god).
I hope no-one else has had any bad luck with the storms?
Rod hull, Emu says...
11:50pm Mon 10 Mar 08
whinger, **** on says...
12:02am Tue 11 Mar 08
paul b, says...
2:30am Tue 11 Mar 08
Nothing windeze couldn't sort out....
Your sayYourEcho
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Wendy Day, says...
8:33am Mon 10 Mar 08
I've seen a couple of wheeliebins blown over and that's about it !