Environment Agency warns of flooding at Christchurch Harbour, Hengistbury Head, Milford, Lymington, Calshot, Lepe, Testwood, Fawley, Cadnam, Ower and Beaulieu

FLOODING is expected today (Thursday) in areas of the New Forest and Christchurch, the Environment Agency is warning.

This includes Christchurch Harbour, Hengistbury Head, coastal stretches between Milford and Lymington, Calshot, Lepe, Testwood, Fawley and Beaulieu.

As reported in the A&T, strong winds up to 70mph are expected until midnight as Storm Nelson is set to hit the region.

A flood alert has been issued for Christchurch Harbour and along tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon due to the weather conditions, expected to bring south-westerly force-six winds, and high tide at 11am.

The agency said incident response staff would be closing floodgates and checking defences but urged the public to take care along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as large waves and sea spray could pose a danger. Hengistbury Head is also subject to an alert, with large onshore waves expected.

An alert has also been issued along the coast from Milford to Lymington.

High tide at 12.15pm and 2.30pm is expected to be higher than normal and strong southerly force-seven winds.

The alert adds: “For one hour either side of high tide, small amounts of water will flood the footpath near the Ship Inn pub, Town Quay. Saltgrass Lane will flood, and will be completely impassable to traffic.

“In Milford High Street, near the Smugglers Inn Pub, the river will increase with the tide and may come close to the top of the river bank, possibly flooding footpaths.

“After this tide‚ the weather becomes more settled‚ so levels will reduce and no further impacts are expected.”

To protect properties from flooding it will close the tidal defence gates at Keyhaven and Lymington two hours either side of high water.

Flooding is also expected in Calshot and Lepe, which is also effected by higher than normal tides due to unsettled weather with strong southerly force-six winds.

For one hour either side of high water, the lower floor of Eling Tide Mill and Eling Lane will flood while at Testwood, property nearest the estuary could come close to flooding.

Roads and car park flooding is expected at Ashlett Creek, Calshot Activity Centre, Hythe sea front, Hythe promenade, Shore Road and High Street, as well as Magazine Lane in Marchwood.

Outbuildings at Fawley Refinery could also be affected.

Land, fields and roads in Cadnam and Ower could experience flooding due to rising levels in the River Blackwater and Cadnam River, an alert warns, with 20mm of rain recorded in the last 24 hours.

As further rain is forecast, with up to 30mm possible, operations staff from the Environment Agency will work to ensure the rivers remain free of any reported blockages, it explained.

In Beaulieu, a flood warning has been issued for the estuary and the open coast between Thorns Beach and Needs Ore Point due to high tides and strong southerly force-six winds.

For one hour either side of high water, Palace Lane and the B3056 (Hatchet Lane) north of the Mill Pond will flood, making access to the village temporarily difficult.

On the downstream side of the pond, the Mill House garden will also flood.

Drivers are urged to travel slowly through the village, particularly in Hatchet Lane, to reduce the flood risk to properties, or avoid it completely where possible.