Met Office issues yellow weather warnings and Environment Agency issues flood alerts for New Forest and Christchurch

Warnings and alerts for flooding, heavy rain and strong winds are in place across the New Forest and Christchurch.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind and rain that will remain in place until 10am tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings for Christchurch Harbour and tidal stretches of the Lower Stour and Avon and their tributaries, as well as Mudeford, Stanpit, the Quomps and Wick areas, plus for Landford to Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and for Rushington and Eling on the Bartley Water, including Ashurst Bridge, Rushington, Brokenford, and Eling.

There is also a flood warning for the Middle Hampshire Avon from Salisbury to Ringwood south of the A36 at Salisbury to Blashford in Ringwood, including Charlton All Saints, Breamore, Fordingbridge and Bickton.

The agency has issued multiple, less serious flood alerts throughout the Forest, including for Lymington River and Brockenhurst, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River, the Danestream, and a coastal flood alert for the area between Milford and Lymington.

Met Office forecasters say homes and businesses in the Forest could experience flooding, with spray and flooding on the roads likely to increase travel times.

There may also be interruptions to power supplies and others services.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “The strong winds will drive in a succession of showers, some of them heavy, throughout today and tonight, before slowly easing during Tuesday morning.

“With the ground so wet, these are likely to produce or sustain some flooding impacts, primarily affecting road travel. Additional hazards could include further lightning strikes, and hail making road conditions dangerous.”

It is likely coastal routes, seafronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and large waves.

Residents are advised to check road conditions before driving, with delays likely for high sided vehicles on exposed roads and bridges.

Air, ferry, bus and train service timetables are likely to be affected timetables and commuters should amend their travel plans if necessary.

Residents are also advised to be prepared for power cuts by having a torch and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essentials.