Storm Ciarán advice from Gosport Borough Council

1 November 2023

Gosport Borough Council is issuing advice to residents as strong winds and heavy rain are expected as part of Storm Ciarán tonight (Wednesday 1 November), and throughout tomorrow (Thursday 2 November)

Very strong winds of up to 80mph in coastal areas and across the south of the mainland area bring a risk of damage to buildings and falling trees leading to a potential risk to life.

Due to the high winds that have been forecast, the council is closing Stokes Bay Road in both directions at 7pm today (Wednesday 1 November) until 7am on Friday (3 Nov). Additionally, Stanley Park, situated off Western Way, Gomer Lane and Stokes Bay Road has also been closed.

Waste collection is still planned to go ahead as normal on Thursday 2 November - if this changes we will update our website and post on Facebook and x (formerly twitter).

We are advising residents to:

• Check our storm advice page on our website
• Secure items outside your home and in your garden, such as ladders, garden furniture and trampolines.
• Travel with caution, avoiding coastal and woodland areas.
• Check transport operators (ferry and bus) websites and social media channels for any updates before travelling.
• Report fallen trees or debris in open spaces across the borough by contacting StreetScene on 08000 198598 or via Email streetscene@gosport.gov.uk
• Report fallen trees or debris on grass verges on the public highway, contact Hampshire County Council on 0300 555 1388 (8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday), or 101 outside of office hours.
• Report issues on Gosport roads via Hampshire County Council
• Think about your neighbours and help to protect vulnerable people that you know, who may need support with food or medical supplies.
• If you have a medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visit 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Urgent treatment centres and pharmacies can help with minor injuries, please only go to a hospital's emergency department, or call 999, for life-threatening accidents and emergencies.

Keep up to date with the latest information from our partners:

• Sign up for Met Office weather warnings via the Met Office website
• Sign up for flooding alerts via GOV.UK  gov.uk/check-flood-risk 
• Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188  
• Follow @EnvAgency on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest flood updates 
• For public health advice relating to flooding go to: Flooding and health: advice for the public - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to Public Health advice relating to flooding is available

Leader of the council, Cllr Peter Chegwyn, said:

 We're issuing this advice to our residents to help prepare them for the storm and to reassure them that we're working closely with our partners across the county to provide a resilient, joined-up approach. The decision to close Stokes Bay Road has not been taken lightly, but high winds are likely to cause large waves along the coast which could cause danger to residents. We have been in communication with impacted businesses and will endeavour to open the road as soon as it is safe to do so."