Don't cross flooded roads pleads fire service

More and more people are being rescued from vehicles stranded in flood water says the fire service.

Vehicle water rescues have increased with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service being called out to 24 incidents in last month.

Now, the service is warning motorists who come across flooded roads to "turn back and find another route".

Group Manager Phil Foxton said: "We ask that drivers take care and not take any chances when they come across flooded roads – it's simply not worth the risk."

In 2024 crews responded to 53 vehicle water rescue incidents across the county and in 2025 this figure was 34.

Fire crews said the most vehicle water rescue incidents occur between November and February.

Across Hampshire, there are a number of hotspots where regular incidents occur including Bramley, Purbook, Ringwood and the New Forest.

The Brockenhurst ford on Balmer Lawn Road is the most frequently occurring vehicle water rescue incident, followed by Pigeon House Lane in Purbrook.

Last month firefighters from Fordingbridge were called to Rockford in the New Forest, after a vehicle entered a flooded section of the road and became submerged - it was swept about 50m downstream.

Foxton explained that flooding can make roads "extremely dangerous" for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

He urged drivers to "always follow warning signs and road closures".

He said: "We have noticed an increase in the number of rescues from vehicles in water we are being called out to.

"Heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers and blocked drainage systems can all lead to significant levels of floodwater flowing onto our roads."

"Floodwater can be deeper and faster than it looks, don't take any chance," he added.