Update For Residents Re:Gales And Coastal Flooding

This updated guidance in from Hampshire Constabulary, Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council this morning .

Advice from them: Stay away from the coastal areas. The high tide is expected at 8.44am at Lymington, then 8.49 at Southampton, and 9.15 at Portsmouth.

The good news is that there have not been any major problems across the two counties overnight – Ed.

Hampshire Constabulary, Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council are now in a position to provide an update on the heavy rain and strong winds forecast for this weekend.

Flood warnings are being issued for the high tide expected at around 9am. These have been issued by the Environment Agency for the following areas in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:

Cowes, East Cowes and Newport
Gurnard, Isle of Wight
Wootton and Seaview, Isle of Wight
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Northney to Selsmore,Hayling Island
Eastoke and South Hayling
Mansbridge and Woodmill on the River Itchen, Southampton
Hamble Estuary
Fareham and Portchester
Lymington to Keyhaven
Hythe, Marchwood, Eling and Redbridge
Beaulieu to Calshot
Itchen Estuary

Residents in the flood warning areas are advised to take appropriate action now to protect their property from flooding, and are encouraged to move valuables and important documents to safety and bring indoors items which may cause damage or may be damaged.

Residents are also advised to take extra care when driving.

Gale force winds are expected throughout the day, and at times gusts are expected to reach between 70 and 80 miles per hour.

It is possible that heavy tree branches, roofing tiles and such things as unstable chimney stacks could be dislodged. In addition, because of water-logged ground, trees may be uprooted by the heavy winds.

In addition, residents are urged to stay away from the coastal areas where possible and not to put themselves at risk.

There have not been any major problems across the two counties overnight.

For further advice and information on local flood warnings contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk