Storm Franklin, set to strike the UK just days after the destructive force of Storm Eunice, brings with it hundreds of flood alerts, including two in Hampshire.

Yellow warnings for wind are in place from midday today until 1pm on Monday.

Storm Dudley also hit parts of the UK last week, and meteorologist Becky Mitchell said three named storms in such quick succession is a first since the system was introduced seven years ago.


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She told the PA news agency: “This is the first time we have had three named storms within a week, and we started the storm naming system in 2015.

“At the moment we’ve got a really active jet stream, which is why we’re seeing so many storms track right towards the UK.

“We had Dudley on Wednesday, Eunice on Friday and Franklin today.”

Winds up to 70mph in coastal areas

Strong winds are also expected in England and Wales on Sunday afternoon, with 60mph gales predicted inland and 70mph in coastal areas.

Ms Mitchell said although this week’s weather “cannot be attributed specifically to climate change”, the warming of the planet is causing “more intense and more frequent winter storms in the UK”.

Flood warnings

The Environment Agency has issued 88 flood warnings where “flooding is likely” for locations mainly in the north and west of England, and 137 alerts where “flooding is possible” for the north-western half of the UK, London and the south coast.

Natural Resources Wales has issued 18 flood warnings and 35 alerts covering much of the country.

Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We are urging people to remain vigilant and take extreme care following the impacts of Storm Eunice, and with a further storm, Franklin, on the way.”

Flood warnings for Hampshire

A Flood Alert for possible flooding in coastal areas of Medmerry and Thorney Island to Bracklesham.

 

In Medmerry, Sunday afternoon's tide should be a little lower than early Sunday morning but will be accompanied with Gale Force 8 South Westerly winds and large waves.

The Environment Agency are predicting, for two hours either side of high water, it is possible a small amount of water could flow over the beach crest and collect in the pools and fields near Medmerry Park Holiday Village, Bracklesham.

A small amount of wave generated and windblown spray could also affect beach-top properties at the end of West Sands Lane and Medmerry.

Storm Eunice moved some shingle from the beaches between Bracklesham and Medmerry and large waves are predicted along this area of coast.

For one hour either side of high water, water could flow over the beach near Medmerry Park Holiday village and through the ditch network towards Bracklesham Caravan and Boat Club.

Shore Road in Bosham will flood, but only minimal flood impacts are expected around the rest of Chichester Harbour.

Minor flood impacts are expected to continue throughout Monday with conditions improving by Tuesday.

 


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Environment asset inspectors will assess the beach condition and continue to monitor the forecast. Warning of the dangers of stormy seas, they said shingle debris is contained within the waves, carried and thrown in the spray and are recommending people avoid Medmerry sea front at high tide.

The also advise installing flood boards one hour before high tide if available and to avoid walking through flood water as it may contain hidden hazards and be deep in places.

The Environment Agency are encouraging people to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation. You can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency on Twitter for the latest flood updates.