The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum has declared that their response will be escalated to ‘Major Incident’ status from midnight tonight (Wednesday 1 November 2023).
Councillor Nick Adams-King, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for highways, said: “Following the Met Office’s Amber level warning for wind, together with a Yellow warning for rain, impacts are likely from late on Wednesday through to the weekend. Our highways teams are ready to work around the clock as necessary to keep Hampshire moving with additional frontline resources on standby.
“They are braced to deal with the consequences from the expected gusts of wind forecast to be up to 50-60 mph inland, and possibly more than 80 mph in exposed costal locations. In preparation, we will have extra specialist tree crews and emergency response gangs available, as well as drainage teams ready should the strong winds be accompanied by heavy rain, which is likely to lead to localised surface water flooding.”
Those who live or work in what are likely to be the worst affected areas (as determined by the Amber weather warning issued by the Met Office) are advised to travel with care avoiding, as far as possible, coastal and wooded areas whilst winds are high.
Cllr Adams-King added: “Before setting out on a journey on Thursday, I would ask that people check the weather forecast and traffic information and take extra care if they travel.”
Head teachers and governing bodies have been advised to make a careful assessment of the local expected conditions as a result of Storm Ciarán prior to making the most appropriate decision for their school. The presumption is always that schools should open, but the priority is that children, young people and staff should be able to travel to and from school safely and be safe whilst on the school site. Schools have been asked to notify the County Council and families of closures using the Emergency School Closures system, which provides up-to-date information on school closures and can be accessed online: https://www.hants.gov.uk/schoolclosures
All of the County Council’s country parks, including Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, in Romsey, and farm attractions will be closed on Thursday 2 November.
For the latest traffic and roads information visit @ROMANSE and @hantshighways
Details of flood alerts and updates are available from the Environment Agency
Emergency issues on Hampshire’s roads can be reported to the County Council by phoning: 0300 555 1388 (8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) or outside of office hours, by calling101.
Report fallen trees online at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems/treehedge
For more information about who to report flooding to visit: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/flooding/reportingflooding
In an emergency situation, where there is a danger to life, please call 999.