Flood alerts for Beaulieu, Calshot, Lepe, Marchwood, Hythe and Christchurch

A SERIES of flood alerts have been issued for today (Monday) as rain and strong winds hit the area.

The Environment Agency has warned that the tides at 11.40am and 10.06pm will affect Beaulieu, with flooding an hour either side of this time affecting the garden of the mill house on the downstream side of Mill Pond. It will also flow across Palace Lane and Hatchet Lane, making it more difficult for traffic to access the village. The EA is warning drivers to avoid Hatchet Lane over the increased flood risk to property.

Minor flooding is expected on the lower floor level at Eling Tide Mill, also at 11.40am at 10.06pm, alongside roads and car parks at at Magazine Lane at Marchwood and Shore Road in Hythe. Motorists should also avoid parking in low-lying coastal car parks.

Christchurch Harbour and the Lower Stour and Avon rivers could see flooding until midday, with higher-than-normal tides expected until the morning of 9th November.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for heavy rain this evening.

Expected between 6pm and midnight, the agency said winds up to 70mph could hit the area, including the western New Forest and Christchurch.

"For most this will simply be a period of normal, unpleasant autumn conditions," a spokesperson said.

"However, for some a short period of very heavy rain and very strong winds is possible bringing gusts of 50-60mph temporarily and perhaps 70mph on some exposed coasts as well as 20mm of rain within an hour.

"There is also a chance of hail and lightning in a few places as an additional hazard."