Environment Agency issues flood alerts for Ashley, Milford, Landford, Ower and Cadnam but says situation is improving in Brockenhurst ahead of more heavy rain tomorrow

FLOODING is expected across the New Forest today (Friday) the Environment Agency is warning, following a record amount of rain in some areas.

The organisation says land, drainage ditches, roads, watersplashes and gardens throughout the area will be affected throughout the course of the day, with further heavy rain forecast on Saturday.

In Brockenhurst, more than 34mm of rain has fallen in less than 24 hours, which has caused the water level in the Lymington River to rise substantially.

However, a flood warning issued yesterday evening was no longer in force, the agency confirmed, and said the situation was improving.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “In the last 18 hours, 34 mm of rain has been recorded at Brockenhurst.

“This is a large amount, given that it follows weeks of prolonged wet weather.”

Households nearest the river in areas including Martin’s Road, Balmer Lawn Road and Brookley Road had been warned the river’s banks could burst, as well as homes in Pilley Hill, Boldre.

The water level in the Danes Stream also remains high, the agency explained, following heavy rainfall of around 35mm on Thursday.

As a result, areas including Ashley and Milford could also experience flooding.

The organisation said: “Milford Dam has operated correctly to reduce the amount of water flowing to Milford on Sea.

“However, the water level in the village will remain high throughout the course of today (Friday).

“High tide at Lymington will also act to reduce the river’s ability to drain to sea.”

With further heavy rain forecast, river levels are expected to remain consistently high until Sunday.

The Environment Agency warned: “Please keep away from riverside footpaths in Milford on Sea, especially at Milford Bridge opposite Lucerne Road.

“If footpaths are flooded it will be difficult to see where the edge of the main river channel is.”

A flood alert has been issued for more parts of the Forest, including Landford, Cadnam and Ower, due to the “very high” water levels in the River Blackwater and Cadnam River.

It is estimated that around 20mm of rain fell in these areas yesterday.

The spokesperson said: “We continue to monitor the forecast [and] our operations staff will work to ensure the rivers remains free of any reported blockages.”

An earlier flood warning covering the Lower Avon from Ringwood to Christchurch was no longer in force, the EA confirmed, as the situation was improving and no further flooding was expected.

To check the latest information for your area visit https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/111WATCHX or call Floodline on 0345 988 118.

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