Hampshire ready for Storm Ciaran

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Storm Ciaran

Local Authorities, emergency services and partner agencies are ready to support residents across Hampshire & Isle of Wight ahead of Storm Ciarán, which is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain affecting coastal areas later tonight and through into Thursday 2 November 2023.

With very strong winds of up to 80mph expected across coastal areas, there is a potential risk to life; risk of damage to buildings; falling trees leading to disruption to travel and an ongoing risk of flooding.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum, has declared its response will be escalated to ‘Major Incident’ status from midnight tonight (Wednesday 1 November 2023).

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 while winds are high.

People are also advised to check transport operators (rail, ferry and bus) websites and social media channels for any updates before travelling.

This may not affect everyone in Hampshire and people are advised to check Met Office Find a Forecast web page for any changes before making their journey. 

The Met Office advice to people about travel, their home and wellbeing can be found on its website:

Met Office website

HELPFUL INFORMATION, ADVICE AND SUPPORT

Bins and waste collections

We’re intending to provide normal bin collections across the district on Thursday. If this changes, we’ll update our website and send out an email bulletin. You can sign up now for our bin updates.

If your bin is due to be collected, please ensure that any additional recycling you’re leaving out is secure and won’t blow away. If you have excess glass, please make sure it’s in a sturdy box that won’t fall apart in the rain.

Once your bin has been emptied, please retrieve it as soon as possible so it is less likely to blow over and cause a problem for other residents.

Our crews will be out working in difficult conditions, so please be patient with them. They will do their best to clear up any waste that blows out while bins are emptied, but will not clear litter from bins that have blown over before they arrive.

Flooding

Advice on how to prepare for flooding and updates relating to flood alerts for the area, can be found on The Environment Agency webpages.

For assistance in the event of flooding call 0345 988 1188 or text 0345 602 6340

Emergency 999 calls

Please use the 999 emergency number only if there is an immediate risk to life. 

Medical assistance

If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visit 111 online

Urgent Treatment Centres and pharmacies are equipped to deal with minor injuries, such as cuts or sprains. Please only go to a hospital’s Emergency Department for life-threatening accidents and emergencies. Find details of pharmacies and Urgent Treatment Centres online

You can also download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities. The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, and which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18. It also provides advice and guidance for pregnant women.

For more information on local health services and getting the right care for your needs use the NHS website 

Issues on roads

Extra highways crews are on standby to respond to the impact of Storm Ciaran and clear excess water and tree debris, prioritising main routes and routes to critical services.

To report a highways issue use the website below:

Report a highways issue to Hampshire County Council

Public Health Advice

The latest Public Health advice relating to flooding is available on the Government website: Flooding and health: advice for the public - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Water and electricity services

Refer to your water or energy supplier websites and social media for information about services that may be affected by the impact of Storm Ciaran.

Find Your Supplier | Water UK

Find your energy supplier | Ofgem