Environment Agency issues more flood alerts for rivers in Beaulieu and Christchurch as Storm Debi moves through UK

FLOOD alerts have been issued for Christchurch harbour and Beaulieu River as another storm moves through the UK today.

The Environment Agency warned this morning’s tide will be higher than usual due to unsettled weather with westerly force 5 and 6 winds and large waves.

This comes as the Met Office issues a yellow warning for the whole of the south coast, including the New Forest and Christchurch. A band of “squally, thundery rain” will push through the area from the east between 5am and midday tomorrow (Tuesday).

In relation to Christchurch, the Endvironment Agency stated: “Flooding is possible at the harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon.

“Weather conditions are expected to produce large onshore waves. Our incident response staff are closing flood gates and checking defences.”

The alert for Beaulieu estuary warned that either side of high water, the tide will “flood into the garden of the Mill House on the downstream side of the Mill Pond”.

“Minor road flooding at Palace Lane is also expected, making access to the village temporarily more difficult. High tide at 10.45pm today (Monday) will cause no impact.

“For safety, please take care if walking or driving through Beaulieu. The incoming tide will flood the main road quickly.”

The Met Office yesterday issued a storm warning for Ireland and parts of the UK, with strong and potentially damaging winds due throughout the day.

While the worst of the weather is predicted to affect north Wales and northern England, the impact is expected to be felt further afield.

“Storm Debi will develop, in part, because of a very strong jet stream crossing the Atlantic,” said the Met Office. “The core of the jet stream is currently located to the south of the UK, and is responsible for the very unsettled period of weather we are currently experiencing.

“Further areas of low pressure may develop and affect the UK during the coming week.”

Across the south tomorrow, there could be damage to buildings, poor driving conditions, delays to train services, and power outages.