People rescued from vehicles stuck in floodwater after Storm Ciarán
The storm has caused flooding and damage across the south
Last updated 2nd Nov 2023
Several people have been rescued from cars stuck in flooded roads across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as Storm Ciaran hit the south coast.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service received calls throughout the night with reports of flooding still coming in.
A spokeswoman said: "Our control room teams have been taking and triaging calls, providing advice, and mobilising crews and officers for incidents where life is at risk.
"Firefighters have been dealing with fallen trees onto power lines, rescuing people from cars in floodwater and making dangerous structures safe."
Shortly before 2am crews from Redbridge and Lyndhurst rescued the driver of a van which had become surrounded by floodwater in Paradise Lane in Woodlands.
The spokeswoman said: "Crews used a ladder to reach the stranded driver and bring him to safety, before requesting police to close the road."
A woman was also rescued from a car in floodwater in Crow Hill, Crow, shortly after 7am by Ringwood and Fordingbridge crews.
The spokeswoman said: "The woman was unable to open the door of the vehicle due to the force of the flowing water.
"A water rescue wading team were deployed to bring the casualty to dry land where she was assessed."
The power of the waves lifted two tonne concrete blocks on Southsea seafront.
On the Isle of Wight, Sandown and Shanklin's Lifeboat station has been damaged.
Isle of Wight Council urged people to stay away from beaches and coastal paths for the rest of the day.