Environment Agency issues flood alerts for areas including Eling, Calshot, Lepe and Christchurch Harbour

FLOOD alerts have been issued for parts of the New Forest and Christchurch today (Wednesday).

The Environment Agency has warned flooding could occur in coastal areas around Southampton Water, including Calshot and Lepe, due to higher than normal tides combined with unsettled weather and light westerly force four winds.

As a result, minor impact flooding is also expected to affect the lower floor level of Eling Tide Mill for the second day in a row.

Road and car park flooding may also occur at Magazine Lane, Marchwood, and Shore Road, Hythe.

Although flooding to properties in unlikely in these areas, the organisation says it is continuing to monitor the forecast.

Members of the public are advised to avoid parking in low-lying coastal car parks and plan driving routes to avoid the roads listed above.

An alert for Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon, which was issued yesterday, remains in place today.

The peak high water level at Christchurch Harbour is expected at 11:30am, which combined with south-westerly force five winds could result in flooding to roads and low-lying land for one to two hours either side of high tide.

The alert states: “After this tide‚ the weather is more settled and no further impacts are expected. We are closely monitoring the situation and our incident response staff will be closing flood gates if necessary.”

Flooding is also forecast in locations near the Middle and Lower Hampshire Avon, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch.

The organisation advises to avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and members of the public should not attempt to walk, cycle or drive through flood water.