County Council geared up for successive heavy rainfall

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

With weather forecast predictions for up to 60mm of rainfall this evening and overnight (19 December) and warnings about successive, heavy rain and flooding, Hampshire County Council's highways emergency response teams have been mobilised to be on stand-by for dealing with excessive surface water on the roads, flooded roads and blocked highways drains.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: "According to colleagues in other agencies, Hampshire is in for extremely heavy rainfall in a relatively short space of time tonight. Our highways teams are ready with additional support from extra gully tankers, emergency response teams and tree crews on stand-by to help keep Hampshire moving, by dealing with flooding on our roads or setting up diversion routes where a road has to be closed unavoidably. We are expecting the rain to fall at its heaviest overnight so it is highly likely people's journeys will be affected in the morning.

"I would ask everyone to take particular care if they have to make a journey in these conditions. Sudden, very heavy downpours can lead to roads and pavements flooding quickly. Spare a thought too for cyclists and any pedestrians walking along the road side, so that they are not showered by puddle water thrown up from the road by moving vehicles."

"Furthermore, please heed any warning signs that are placed on the highway. Do not attempt to use fords and be extra careful driving through any road surface water as it may be difficult to judge its depth."

The County Council's Emergency Planning Team is also prepared and on standby, ready to deal with emergency situations that may arise as a consequence of the heavy rainfall.

The County Council is also asking people to report incidences of flooding on Hampshire's roads either online or by calling 0845 603 5633. People can keep updated on roads affected by severe weather by checking ROMANSE online or following them on Twitter @ROMANSE. Alternatively tune in to BBC Radio Solent and other local radio stations for traffic reports.

If anyone has concerns about any older or vulnerable people in their community during times of adverse weather, they should call: 0845 603 5630.

• Environment Agency - Flooding information

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