Hampshire Flood Warnings Still In Force

8 January 2014, 06:19 | Updated: 8 January 2014, 06:21

Roads are still blocked and rivers remain swollen across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with more rain expected tonight.

The yellow warning for rain - the lowest of the Met Office's three levels - came to an end for Dorset at 6am on Wednesday 8 January. There are no further warnings issued but more rain is forecast overnight and the Environment Agency is worried the ground along the coast won't be able to cope with more rain.

The Environment Agency has issued several flood warnings and alerts, including for the River Meon at Wickham and Titchfield; Eastoke and South Hayling; Langbridge and Alverstone on the Eastern Yar on the Isle of Wight; and the River Itchen around Winchester and Chandlers Ford.

Several roads are blocked by flooding, including the A338 Fordingbridge, northbound between Salisbury Road and Fryern Court Road; A3055 Morton Common Sandown, both ways between B3329 Avenue Road and Morton Road; and several more minor roads.

River levels remain high on the Test, Itchen and Meon.

Since December 18 up to 250mm has fallen across Hampshire, the equivalent of three months rainfall in just three weeks.

The County Council increased the number of highways emergency crews with tankers and jetters ready to deal with water on the roads and blocked gullies.

Councillor Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said:

“Highways teams and our contractors have been working round the clock to help residents during the difficult weather conditions. Their work is invaluable and I offer my thanks to them.

“Please take care while on the roads. Sudden, very heavy downpours can lead to roads and pavements flooding quickly. Please heed any warning signs that are placed on the highway. Do not attempt to drive through or walk through fords, and be extra careful driving through any road surface water as it may be difficult to judge its depth.

"Priority has had to be given to fixing problems on the main routes. While some minor roads are still affected, teams are aware of issues on these routes and will attend to them as soon as resources permit. With such large numbers of incidents it may take some weeks to clear up and we are asking people to bear with us during this extremely busy period.

"I would advise residents to take extra care while on the roads and allow more time for their journeys.”

If anyone sees flooding near electricity substations in residential areas they are asked to report it to Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) on 0800 072 72 82.

Advice on flooding can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/flooding and flood warnings can be found on the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods.

People can also call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to follow the Environment Agency’s flood warning advice, which is:

Prepare a Flood Kit – warm clothes, torch with batteries, battery powered radio, food, water, mobile phone + charger, first aid kit, important personal documents such as passports, bankcards and insurance details; medication and baby food if needed. Keep it upstairs

Make a list of useful numbers such as the emergency services, Floodline, insurance company and policy details. 

Talk about what you would do in the event of flooding with other family members / housemates

Know where to turn off the gas, water and electricity supply. Ensure you switch it off if you evacuate your property.

Move people, pets, valuable items and if possible - electrical appliances upstairs or in a high place downstairs

Any furniture that you can not move upstairs try and raise off the floor

Think about moving your car to higher ground

Block doorways, air bricks and cellar vents with bricks or sandbags

Alert neighbours and assist the elderly, infirm and those with small children

Avoid walking and driving through floodwater as there could be hidden hazards

If you have any health worries call NHS Direct on 111 or see www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Call 0800 80 70 60 to report flooding to the Environment Agency