Environment Agency warns of flooding at Calshot, Lepe, Fawley, Hythe, Marchwood, Eling, Lymington and Milford

PROPERTIES and roads could be impacted by flooding in parts of the New Forest tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for areas including Calshot, Lepe, Fawley, Hythe, Marchwood and Eling due to the early morning tide which is expected to be higher than normal due to unsettled weather and strong southerly force six winds.

As reported in the A&T, strong winds are forecast for parts of the area from this evening (Monday).

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind which comes into force at 9pm and is expected to last until 9am tomorrow.

The Environment Agency is warning for one hour either side of high water, property flooding will occur in Magazine Lane and Cracknore Hard Lane in Marchwood, Hythe sea front and the nearby ferry terminal, and Commercial Road in Totton.

Road flooding is expected at Shore Road in Hythe and Eling Lane and Downs Park Crescent in Eling. There could also be limited or no access to Calshot Activity Centre throughout the duration of high water.

The tide is expected to overtop sea walls and flood outbuildings nearest the estuary at Fawley oil refinery, the sailing club and pub at Ashlett.

A flood warning has also been issued for Beaulieu, with areas along the estuary and open coast between Thorns Beach and Needs Ore Point.

It states the village will be impassable to traffic for one hour either side of high tide, with flooding expected in Palace Lane and on B3056 (Hatchet Lane).

Homes could also be affected, including those on the upstream side of the pond.

Those with flood protection measures are urged to install them two hours before high tide.

To reduce flood risk to properties, motorists are also urged to avoid driving through Beaulieu.

A flood alert has also been issued for the coastal stretch between Milford and Lymington due to unsettled weather with strong southerly force seven winds.

Tidal defence gates at Keyhaven and Lymington will be closed by the agency three hours either side of high water and it will install drop boards by the RNLI station.

It is recommending that all private defence gates are also closed.

Coastal roads in the area could flood for one hour either side of high water, including the footpath at the Ship Inn in Lymington, Milford High Street and near to the Smugglers Inn, while water levels could exceed the top of the river bank. Any cars parked at Saltgrass Lane will flood.

The agency advises those in at risk areas should use flood protection equipment, such as flood barriers, air brick covers and pumps to protect their property.

Important items of personal value should be moved upstairs or to a safe place in the property alongside other valuables such as computers, movable furniture and furnishings.

Businesses should inform staff and customers and ensure that they can get to safety and move stock to a safe place.

Cars and other vehicles should be moved to higher ground if it is safe to do so.

The public should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Just 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and six inches can knock an adult off their feet.