With the forecast of yet more rain over the next 24 hours, Hampshire Police have issued a statement regarding the flooding in various areas and places to watch for updates and advice.
Hampshire Police Statement
As part of our ongoing multi-agency response, we have just had a teleconference where we have got the latest updates on the developing weather situation.
Over the past 24 hours, there has been an average of 23mm of rain across the two counties. The forecast is clear for this afternoon, but overnight between 9pm and 3am a further 10 – 15mm is anticipated, in some areas up to 20mm.
We have widespread flood warnings across Hampshire, especially for areas surrounding the rivers Test, Itchen, Meon and villages with large streams or rivers running through them.
Some flooding is anticipated in all these surrounding areas and the biggest specific risk is to the areas of Romsey and Winchester, which are most likely to be affected by rivers bursting their banks.
The A27 Mansbridge Road from the White Swan pub up to Swaythling is closed and will remain closed all weekend, motorists should be advised that there is a lengthy diversion in place so please allow extra time for that journey.
At Romsey, the A3057 between the Dukes Head pub and railway bridge is also now closed because of flood water and diversions are being put in place.
Eastleigh and Bishopstoke are also experiencing traffic congestion. Eastern Lane/Stoneham Lane both have closures on which are causing delays back to the M27 at junction 5. Motorists are advised to expect delays in this area and again, we would thank you again for your patience.
Also on the M27, the hard shoulder and lane one of the westbound carriageway between junction 11 and junction nine will be closed all weekend and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the remaining carriageways. This is in order for remedial work to be carried out on the motorway bridge.
The C7 Winchester Road through Kings Somborne is partially closed as is the B3051 at Ashford Hill, and on the Isle of Wight, Mortonbrook at the junction with Perowne Way at Sandown is experiencing significant flooding but is still passable with care.
For the very latest on all road closures across Hampshire, please visit the Hampshire County Council website at: http://goo.gl/UEa1Gp
This list is being continuously updated so please do keep checking in.
All emergency responders have officers on duty today and on standby overnight to help respond to any emerging situation.
Chief Inspector Clive Marsh, police commander at the Response Working Group today, said: “On the back of the bad weather yesterday, we are expecting it to return tonight, the peak being between 9pm and 3am. Our aim is to keep people safe throughout this period. Together with other emergency responders and partner agencies we will be working hard throughout the next 24 hours to respond and minimise the risk to our residents.”
“Its going to be rotten night, and with the amount of rainfall we have had over the last month, we are expecting rivers to flood now and ground flooding to affect many roads. Please keep journeys to an absolute minimum. It is fortunate that it is the weekend and so roads will be less busy but we would still strongly advise motorists to not go out unless you have to.”
“Looks like tonight would be a really good night to stay in with a good movie.”
Full advice on preparing for and managing flooding is available on the Hampshire County Council website www.hants.gov.uk
Public Health England also have advice available for anyone who does suffer flooding in their home or business premises, to help minimise any health risk associated with flood water. This includes avoiding contact with flood water, washing hands and food preparation surfaces and not eating food that has touched flood water.
The agency advises: “All our experience from previous floods tells us that where people follow health advice there are no significantly increased rates of gastro-enteric illness. Care should also be taken when using heaters to dry out affected areas: Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces. Do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors: the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which can kill.”
For more information, see the joint PHE / Environment Agency advice.
Please keep tuned into local radio and local newspaper websites for latest information and follow @HantsPolice on Twitter and the Hampshire Constabulary page on Facebook. We will keep you updated regularly.
