Continued Flood Warnings Issued Amid Ongoing Deluge

The risk of flooding persists for properties throughout Hampshire and Dorset. High winds and precipitation from Storm Bert and Storm Conall are still causing significant disruption to residential areas, transportation routes, and rail networks. Environment Secretary Steve Reed stated that additional rainfall is anticipated on Wednesday, though it is projected to be “less severe” compared to the beginning of the week. The Environment Agency (EA) has presently issued 15 flood warnings for Hampshire, two for the Isle of Wight, and 11 for Dorset. On Tuesday, an emergency rest centre was established for individuals residing in residential parks. Fire crews were dispatched to aid residents from Iford Bridge Home Park, Redhill and Wheatplot Home Park, and Stour Park. All these locations are situated close to the River Stour, which continues to be under a flood warning. Suzanne Patterson, a paddleboarder, visited the River Stour on Wednesday morning to evaluate the prevailing conditions. Ms Patterson, who operates Dorset SUP Paddleboarding and arranges group paddle sessions on the river near Iford Bridge, commented: “I wouldn’t go near the river at the moment it’s too dangerous.” She added: “You can see the power of the water you’ve got no chance of paddling against that – I would not put myself in any danger – I’d leave well alone.” She further stated: “You don’t know what is going on under the water – there are currents you can’t see, you could get flipped off your board, you could get cold water shock, you could hurt yourself, you could get trapped.” “I have never seen this part of the river flowing quite so high – further down it’s almost white water.” Information regarding individuals’ rights concerning homes, vehicles, or employment affected by flooding was also referenced. A spokesperson for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service reported the rescue of 12 people and four dogs, adding that the service is collaborating with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council on property evacuations. The aforementioned local authority established the rest centre at the Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre in Bournemouth. With further heavy rain predicted, the River Stour’s water level is anticipated to keep increasing, prompting the EA to recommend that nearby residents relocate families, pets, and vehicles to secure, elevated areas. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has advised against visiting its nature reserves, stating that they were “struggling after the recent heavy rainfall and flooding is being experienced across our sites”. The Trust indicated that numerous reserves, including Blashford Lakes, have been temporarily closed due to unsafe access and submerged car parks. On the Isle of Wight, train services have been suspended due to railway flooding between Ryde St Johns Road and Ryde Pier Head. South Western Railway (SWR) announced that it expects service disruptions to last until the day’s end. The railway company also reported that precipitation had inundated the line connecting Eastleigh and Botley. Consequently, trains cannot stop at Botley and Hedge End, and passengers have been cautioned about potential delays and cancellations. At St Denys, heavy rain causing railway flooding necessitates trains operating at reduced speeds across all lines. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service had previously cautioned individuals against driving through floodwater. In an official statement, the service advised: “It might look shallow, but the water is often deeper and faster-moving than it seems. It’s always safer to turn back and find another route.” Approximately 30 to 40mm (1.1 to 1.5in) of rainfall is forecast for the south of England. Alexis Green, a BBC South weather presenter, noted that the southern region typically receives about 90mm (3.5in) of rain throughout November, indicating that certain areas have experienced up to 80% of the month’s total rainfall within a four-day period. She further mentioned that the Isle of Wight might receive up to 50mm (1.96in) of rain overnight.