Heavy rain brings flooding to the south - live updates

HEAVY rain has caused flooding and traffic problems across the south.

The Daily Echo will update this article with the latest developments.

You can also check the latest local forecast by clicking below or the national forecast on the video above.

16.21
As the rain begins to fall at a rather less ferocious manner, Hampshire Constabulary have released this advice for motorists taking to the road:

"When roads are wet they become more hazardous. Motorists who are taking to the roads this afternoon are advised to take extra care and allow extra time for your journey.

Driving in rain means your stopping distance will double on a wet road so ensure you maintain a safe distance and slow to a safe speed, as there will be a reduction in tyre grip. Brake slowly and gently in order to slow down.

Rain and spray from other vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen, so keep well back from the vehicle in front, and maintain a safe distance.

On flooded roads, do not attempt to cross the water if it is too deep. Drive slowly in first gear and keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch. This will also stop you from stalling.

Avoid the deepest water, normally nearest the curb, and remember to test your brakes after you drive through water by pressing down on the brake pedal gently."

16.07
The flooding in the gardens in central Bournemouth has now largely drained away. However roads in part of the town have cracked due to flooding.

16.03
This photograph was taken by Daily Echo picture editor Paul Collins, showing the flooding on Millbrook Road West.

15.36
Several roads in Droxford are flooded.

15.32
A motorcyclist and passenger came off a bike in Forest Road, Burley. The pair were treated by paramedics after they went under the water, but they did not need hospital treatment.

Gorley Road and Southampton Road, both in Ringwood are flooded, as is the A338 at Fordingbridge and Hightown, as well as at Picket Post as reported earlier.

Cupernham Lane in Romsey is also underwater.

15.11
If you're heading north on the A34, you may have trouble in you want to stop at Sutton Scotney as the sliproad on the northbound entrance to the services is partially flooded.

15.08
There are no weather warnings in force for Hampshire, but the Met Office has issued warnings for heavy, thundery rain this coming Sunday and Monday.

Meanwhile motorists heading south on the A34 are advised that flooding is causing delays near the Three Maids roundabout. There are more details in the traffic and travel section of this site.

15.04
Romsey Road in Southampton has been described by one Echo reader as "a torrent" of water as a result of the heaviest spell of rain, earlier on.

14.56
Despite the unseasonally heavy rain, no flood warnings have been issued for any rivers or estuaries in Hampshire.

14.52
The sliproad on the A31 at Pickets Post has been closed due to flooding. More information can be found here.

14.37
Police have also blocked off the end of Paynes Road in Freemantle to stop traffic coming on to the dual carriageway. More information can be found here.

Meanwhile, roads closed in the Ringwood include Highfield Road and Eastfields Road closed. Hampshire County Council have been made aware.

14:22
Reports of a car being washed away in Ringwood. The incident happened in Linbrook where police received reports of a red car being washed down the road.

They say the male driver is now out of the vehicle and in the water, and Hampshire fire and Rescue Service are at the scene.

14.18
The westbound carriageway of Mountbatten Way in Southampton has been shut due to flooding.

Road blocks are being put in place on the road drain covers were forced out by the water. More information can be found here.

14.11
This video below has come in from our sister newspaper, the Bournemouth Echo.

14.00
The Bournemouth Airshow has cancelled all flights that were due to take place today and a decision is due on tonight's displays.

13.42
While Southampton and Hampshire have been deluged by the heavy rain, Bournemouth and Dorset appear to had the worst so far.

Bournemouth’s Lower and Central Gardens and Boscombe Gardens were both in deep floodwater during the storms, which saw thunder and lightning as well as heavy downpours at around 10.30am.

The flooding can be seen in this photo by reader Nick Beck:

Every fire crew in Dorset and Hampshire was either on standby or attending a flooding incident after torrential rain hit the region this morning.