More heavy rain forecast as Met Office issues fresh weather warning

A FRESH weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for heavy rain across the New Forest this afternoon (Thursday), with more flooding likely.

The latest yellow alert, covering Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex, follows several days of wind and rain this week which felled trees and flooded roads, as reported in the A&T.

The incoming conditions are expected to last from about 3pm this afternoon until about midnight tonight.

The regional weather warning said: “Spells of heavy rain are expected this afternoon and evening leading to some flooding in a few locations.”

Residents were warned to expect an impact on some homes and businesses, and disruption to bus and train services. Drivers were advised to look out for spray and water submerging some roads.

The Met Office warning added: “Outbreaks of rain will become heavy and persistent at times this afternoon and evening before clearing from the west by midnight.

“Rainfall totals will reach 20-30mm in places with as much as 40mm in a few spots.”

The forecast rain prompted a fresh warning from the Environment Agency for communities in the north of the New Forest near the River Blackwater, including Landford, Wellow Mill, and Wade Bridge.

Although high river levels were currently falling, it cautioned: “This is a large volume of rain and should that affect the River Blackwater, then levels will rise quickly and be much higher than they were yesterday, causing property flooding.

“The rain is due to move into Hampshire by lunchtime. Over the next 24 hours, there will be continued, and in some places, deep flooding of land and roads from Landford to Wade Bridge.

“We will continue to monitor the river. Please ensure you can take action to protect property.”

There was also a less serious “be prepared” alert for people living near River Lymington, including Brockenhurst, as the rain approaches.

It said: “This would cause road flooding which would be deep in places, garden flooding at Balmer Lawn Road, and this may cause flooding to property.”

There was a further alert for the River Test and tributaries from Romsey to Totton, although flooding of property was not expected.