Flood alerts for Milford, Lymington, Beaulieu, Fawley, Eling, Calshot, Hythe, Marchwood and Christchurch
A series of flood alerts have been issued across the New Forest and Christchurch this morning (Thursday).
The Environment Agency has warned this morning's tide will be higher than normal across the area thanks to strong force-five southerly winds.
In Lymington between 10.21am and 12.34pm, small amounts of water will flood the footpath near the Ship Inn pub at the town quay, and Saltgrass Lane will flood and be completely impassable to traffic. Property flooding is not expected, however, tidal defence gates in the town and at Keyhaven will be closed.
Flooding is expected in Beaulieu at high tide between 10.40am and 12.54pm, including the estuary and the open coast between Thorns Beach and Needs Ore Point. Palace Lane and Hatchet Lane north of the Mill Pond is expected to flood, along with Mill House garden.
The same high tide is also expected to flood the lower floor of Eling Tide Mill and Eling Lane, along with road and car park flooding at Ashlett Creek; Calshot Activity Centre; Hythe's sea front, promenade, Shore Road and High Street; Magazine Lane in Marchwood; and outbuildings at Fawley refinery.
Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon rivers are also likely to be affected until 10am, with EA staff closing flood gates and checking defences