Environment Agency warns of flooding risk in parts of New Forest and Christchurch

FLOODING is expected from tonight (Wednesday) in parts of the New Forest and Christchurch, the Environment Agency is warning.

Christchurch harbour, in addition to stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon, could be impacted due to high tides.

An alert states that flooding of roads and low-lying land is possible, but properties are not expected to be affected.

The alert covers tonight’s high tide which is forecast for 8.45pm and tomorrow morning’s tide at 9.15am. It will remain in force for two hours either side of the tides.

It adds: “We are closely monitoring the situation and checking flood defences. Be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads.”

Alerts have also been issued for tributaries between Christchurch and Ringwood, due to river levels rising throughout this evening and overnight, and Beaulieu estuary due to “unsettled weather” combined with a higher than normal tide at 11pm.

As a result, minor road flooding at Palace Lane is expected, making access to the village “temporarily more difficult”, the alert warns.

The high tide level will be elevated over the next five days, which may cause some minor impacts, increasing until Sunday's high tides which may require the pond to be drained in advance.