Environment Agency flood warning after month's rain in 24 hours

Downpours and storms brought flooding across parts of Hampshire yesterday, with rail services disrupted and roads deluged.

The Environment Agency warning says: The water level in the River Hamble remains exceptionally high.

"In the last 24 hours, more than a month’s rain (74mm) has been recorded in Bishops Waltham.

"At Durley, the level started to fall at 20:30. However, in the last hour, a further 10mm of rain has been recorded. This rain will cause an additional increase in river level (perhaps by 0.15m) over the next 1.5 to 2 hours.

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"Currently, we expect flood impacts at Durley School, Botley Mill and Durley Mill. Rain should clear the area by the early hours of tomorrow morning (01:30 on 13/07/21), but an additional 10mm could fall in that time.

"The river will remain exceptionally high until at least 01:00. It will finally begin to lower overnight, but it will not return to normal for at least the next 24 hours.

"We will continue to monitor the forecast and will ensure the river remains free of any reported blockages.

"We recommend leaving flood protection in place until Tuesday afternoon. This message will be updated by 09:00 on Tuesday 13/07/2021 or sooner if the situation changes."