Flood alerts for Beaulieu, Eling, Marchwood, Hythe and Christchurch

A series of flood alerts have been issued for local spots today (Wednesday) as high winds and rain lash the area.

The Environment Agency has warned sites at Beaulieu, Eling, Marchwood, Hythe and Christchurch are at risk during high tides.

Locks and flood gates will be closed at Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon, with high water mark predicted for 9.45am and flooding possible two hours afterward.

On the Waterside, high tides at 12.04pm and 14.24pm could see flooding at the lower floor level of Eling Tide Mill, Magazine Lane at Marchwood and Shore Road in Hythe.

The high tide times at Beaulieu mirror those on the Waterside where the garden of the Mill House on the downstream side of the Mill Pond could flood, flowing across Palace Lane and the B3056 Hatchet Lane, making it difficult for traffic to access the village. Flood water in Palace Lane could be up to 20cm deep.

The EA is warning drivers to avoid using Hatchet Lane if flooded as this could increase flood risk to nearby properties.

The weather is expected to settle by the afternoon