Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight braced for flooding
Yen MilneMore flood warnings have been issued for parts of the south coast, amid further heavy rainfall.
The Environment Agency said flooding was expected across areas of Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight this weekend.
Flood defences would be activated in Ryde on the Isle of Wight on Saturday, the agency said.
Christchurch Harbour, Hamble estuary and East Cowes were also identified as areas of risk.
A yellow Met Office weather warning for rain has been extended until Sunday evening.
Many areas could see blustery winds with heavy showers around the coasts, according to Met Office forecasts.
The Environment Agency said it was likely high tides or large waves would flood low-lying land and roads.
It said flooding was expected in the following areas:
- Beaulieu, Hampshire
- Christchurch Harbour Side, Dorset
- Cowes, East Cowes, and Newport, Isle of Wight
- Hamble estuary, Hampshire
- Poole Harbour at West Quay and Lower Hamworthy Quay, Dorset
- Portland Harbour at Ferry Bridge, Dorset
- Sandown, Brading and Bembridge on the Eastern Yar, Isle of Wight
- Whitwell, Wroxall, Langbridge, Alverstone on the Eastern Yar, Isle of Wight
Sharon LibbyHampshire County Council said it had additional resources on standby to clear excess water from the highways and any falling tree debris.
The Environment Agency urged people to stay away from coastal paths, piers and promenades.
It warned people not to drive through flood water, adding that just 30cm (11.8 inches) of flowing water was enough to move a car.
The agency was expecting to issue more flood warnings over the weekend and on Monday.
Parts of the Isle of Wight are still recovering from problems after heavy rainfall left roads impassable earlier in the week.
Some areas of the island saw 97mm (3.8 inches) of rain on Tuesday evening, which led to flooding on Wednesday morning.
Island EchoThe Environment Agency said it would be conducting a review after residents in Ryde claimed the island was unprepared.
An amber warning, issued by the Met Office, came into effect on the island at just after 06:00 BST on Wednesday, but locals said defences were only put in at lunchtime.
Phil Jordan, leader of Isle of Wight Council, told BBC Radio Solent he had asked the Environment Agency to keep the flood defence gates in Ryde closed over the weekend.
Initially, the agency told him the gates would remain open and the situation would be reviewed if the weather worsened.
Sarah TaskerHowever, it later confirmed a decision had been made to put in the defences at Simeon Recreation Ground on Saturday.
"The timings of putting in the boards is crucial," a spokesperson from the Environment Agency said, adding: "If we put them in at the wrong time, then it could exacerbate problems with surface water flooding."
Ahead of more flood warnings, Isle of Wight Council said any property flooding should be reported to the Environment Agency and insurance companies should be contacted for advice.
It added that islanders should wear gloves when handling sandbags as they could retain sewage and oils after coming into contact with floodwater.
Island EchoTwo temporary information hubs have been set up by the authority to support residents impacted by the flooding.
Affected islanders have been urged to visit East side Kerb, opposite East Cowes Town Hall or County Hall reception in Newport.
A hotel in Ryde has been offering hot drinks, showers and a place to stay to people whose homes have been flooded.
Jean Fuller from The Veteran Hotel said two families turned up with young children and their dogs on Friday evening, after their homes were "destroyed" by the flood water.
"It was quite emotional, it was pretty sad to see those people and we're glad we could help in some way," she said.
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