Hampshire’s Highways teams are on full alert with Storm Brendan forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the South.
Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “With a yellow weather warning in place for wind gusts of up to 70mph, our highways teams are ready to work round the clock to keep the roads clear and Hampshire moving. We’ve already had an exceptionally wet autumn, and groundwater levels have been rising as a consequence. This means some areas will therefore be more vulnerable to surface water flooding. Similarly, strengthening winds combined with expected high tides in coastal areas will affect areas most vulnerable to tidal flooding.
“Our highways teams are ready with extra gully crews and emergency gangs on standby to help keep the roads clear of surface water. Heavily saturated ground means that trees are more susceptible to fall in strong winds or gusts so we will have extra tree crews available as well.”
Throughout the year, Hampshire Highways routinely maintains Hampshire’s 60,000 gullies and 4,600 catchpits, as well as carrying out a continued programme of improvements to highway surface water drainage systems to make Hampshire more resilient to the effects of extreme weather. However, roads can still become flooded if all land owners do not maintain their ditches and watercourses.
Councillor Humby continued: “I would ask that anyone setting out on a journey over the next couple of days to please be prepared, drive according to the conditions and check the weather forecast before they head off.”
Fallen trees on the highway can be reported on 0300 555 1388.
Details of flood alerts and updates are available from the Environment Agency
Please drive safely during the winter as conditions can be more difficult. RoSPA has some helpful winter driving tips
Further information on the impact on the electricity network is available from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
