Flood warnings and alerts remain in place after Storm Bert battered the New Forest and Christchurch
FLOOD warnings and alerts remain across the New Forest and Christchurch today (Monday) after Storm Bert brought heavy rain and strong winds.
Trees were brought down and roads covered with floodwater during the horrendous conditions over the weekend.
Local incidents included a fallen tree blocking a stretch of the B3079 Lyndhurst Road in both directions yesterday morning.
The closure between Junction 1 and Roger Penny Way happened around 6.20am and was cleared by 9.40am.
This was among 50 highways emergencies Hampshire County Council responded to over the weekend.
Strong winds also saw BCP Council shut Christchurch Recycling Centre on Saturday morning, reopening at lunchtime.
By this morning, the Environment Agency still had three flood warnings in place, instructing locals to “act now”.
One was for Middle Hampshire Avon from Salisbury to Ringwood, covering south of the A36 at Salisbury to Blashford in Ringwood including Charlton All Saints, Breamore, Fordingbridge and Bickton.
This was due to river levels rising from the recent rainfall, flooding was possible during last night (Sunday).
This was forecast to affect locations near the Middle Hampshire Avon, with low-lying land and roads expected to be most affected.
But weather conditions were expected to improve today.
Another flood warning for Lower Stour from Sturminster Marshall to Christchurch included Barrack Road and Willow Way in Christchurch.
Rising river levels were expected to cause flooding from 6pm yesterday evening.
Flooding was forecast to affect sites near the Lower Dorset Stour, Middle Dorset Stour, with low-lying land and roads expected to be most affected.
Despite the improvements expected today, the EA warned river levels might remain above the flood warning threshold for some time.
The third flood warning, for Landford to Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, was said to no longer be in force around 11am today.
Covering Landford, Wellow Mill, and Wade Bridge, on the River Blackwater, this had said the water level was very high in the River Blackwater and Cadnam River following Saturday’s heavy rainfall.
The river was said to have flooded land, fields and roads at Cadnam, West Wellow, Landford and Ower.
Yesterday, a further 10-20mm was forecast in Hampshire before Storm Bert finally cleared the area.
Four flood alerts, advising people to be prepared for possible flooding, were in place this morning.
One for Lymington River, including Brockenhurst, said its level remained high after 32mm of rain was recorded at Brockenhurst on Saturday.
Yesterday, flooding of land and roads was expected to continue, although the EA said the river’s water level was currently falling.
But another 10-20mm of rain was forecast in Hampshire before Storm Bert finally cleared the area.
“If rain impacts the river, then it will rise in response, but given the forecast totals, we do not currently expect it to cause property flooding,” the alert said.
“We continue to monitor the forecast and will ensure the river remains free of any reported blockages.
“Watersplashes will remain deep over the next 24 hours, please do not drive through floodwater.”
Another alert, for Bartley Water, from Fletchwood Copse and Bartley to Eling, said its water level was high after 33mm of rain recorded at Testwood on Saturday.
This level was said to have been falling yesterday, but another 20-35mm of rain was forecast in Hampshire before Storm Bert finally cleared the area.
“If rain impacts the river, then the river level will rise in response and this may cause property flooding,” the alert said.
“Our operational staff will ensure the river is free of any reported blockages.
“Please take appropriate action to ensure you can protect property if required.”
Lower Avon and its tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch were also subject to a flood alert.
River levels were said to have been rising on the Lower River Avon and its tributaries due to Saturday’s prolonged, heavy rainfall, with flooding possible.
This was forecast to affect locations near the Middle and Lower Hampshire Avon, with low-lying land and roads expected to be most affected.
Further rainfall was forecast throughout Saturday night and yesterday.
The fourth alert covers River Blackwater, including Landford to East Wellow and Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River.
Water levels at the River Blackwater at Ower and Cadnam River were said to be very high following Saturday’s heavy rainfall.
