01/12/2005 - The Environment Agency has issued Flood Watches for Hayling Island, Old Portsmouth and Lymington this afternoon as a warning to people to be vigilant.

High tides and strong winds have been lashing the coastline and the Flood Watches have been issued as a precautionary measure. A Flood Watch has been issued to cover the area from Milford to Calshot for high tide today at 10.31pm and this will stay in place for the high tide at 10.49am on Friday 2 December 2005.

Also, another Flood Watch will be in force for Old Portsmouth and South Hayling for high tide at 11.26am tomorrow (Friday 2 December 2005). The tides predicted for Friday are not expected to be as rough as on 3 November 2005, which caused flooding to a number of roads and some properties at Eastoke on Hayling Island. However, it is also likely that further Flood Watches will be issued over the weekend.

Nigel Sell of the Environment Agency said: “We are urging people to be aware and prepared for flooding should conditions worsen. The Environment Agency will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout today and tomorrow. We want householders to be prepared, register for our flood warning service and find out the measures they can take to make their property flood resistant.”

The Environment Agency provides the 24 hour Floodline 0845 988 1188 service. Flood warning information can be obtained for your area, or an operator can give advice over the phone 24 hours a day. Flood Warnings in force can also be viewed on the Environment Agency’s web site.

The Environment Agency is urging people in at-risk areas to remind themselves of the Flood Warning codes.

Flood Watch – Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected. Be aware! Be prepared and watch out.
Flood Warning – Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act now!
Severe Flood Warning – Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!
All Clear – Flood Warnings or Flood Watches are no longer in force in this area.