Waterlogged roads warning for Beaulieu, Marchwood, Hythe, Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head amid Environment Agency flood alerts for New Forest and Waterside
Motorists are warned of waterlogged roads and car parks tonight (Tuesday) amid flood alerts for the New Forest and Christchurch.
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued the notices amid high tides expected around Beaulieu estuary and from Thorns Marsh to Needs Ore Point, as well as Southampton Water including Calshot and Lepe, and on the east coast of Dorset including Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head.
Flooding is possible for an hour either side of this evening’s tide at 9.45pm and 11.46pm, which is forecast to reach a height of 5.15 metres for Beaulieu estuary, and 3.96 metres for Southampton Water.
The EA also said high tides this evening may lead to flooding at Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon, as well as at Hengistbury Head from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
A light southerly force four wind is expected – possibly reaching force six in Christchurch – with no significant rainfall forecast.
At Beaulieu estuary it’s expected the tide will flood into the garden of the mill house on the downstream side of Mill Pond, with minor road flooding also at Palace Lane, affecting access to the village.
Tomorrow’s tide at 10am is forecast to be 12cm higher in this area, and a flood warning was set to be issued this evening for tomorrow morning’s tide.
On the Waterside, very minor flooding is expected at the lower floor level of Eling Tide Mill.
Road and car park flooding may hit Magazine Lane in Marchwood and Shore Road in Hythe.
The tide at 10am tomorrow is forecast to be 13cm higher.
The alert for Christchurch Harbour says areas most affected, as well as that location, are expected to be Bridge Street, Stoney Lane and Monkswell Gardens in Purewell. Areas most at risk include tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon. Further flooding is possible two hours either side of tomorrow morning’s high tide.
The EA said it expected the whole of the east coast of Dorset to be affected by the forecast high water at 8.30pm.
Flood impacts are predicted at each high tide in the New Forest until Saturday.
The EA said it was closely monitoring the situation for all the areas.