Flood alerts issued across Hampshire following heavy rain

The Environment Agency has issued alerts for several towns and villages across the county, saying that flooding is possible.

This includes groundwater flooding, where water rises from the underlying chalk, rather than from rivers or streams. Cellars are most at risk.

Alerts are in place for Bramdean and Cheriton, Hambledon, Hursley, King’s Somborne and Little Somborne, the Candovers and Old Alresford, areas of the Meon Valley, Bishop’s Sutton, and Twyford and Hensting.

READ MORE: Groundwater flood alerts issued across Hampshire

The agency is warning that the Meon Valley villages at risk are East Meon, West Meon, Warnford, Exton, Corhampton, Meonstoke, Droxford and Soberton.

Map of potential flooding in the Meon Valley (Image: Environment Agency)On its website, it states: “In the Meon Valley, groundwater levels are high and continue to slowly fall after another week of mostly dry weather. The Winterbourne has been flowing in Meonstoke for most of December, and there may still be some residual water ponded around the electricity substation in Rectory Lane.

“From today (December 27) until Sunday, December 31, the weather is forecast to be unsettled with up to 35mm of rain forecast in that time. However, groundwater levels are expected to continue falling during that time. If very heavy rain affects the Meon Valley, groundwater levels will begin to rise again. Cellar flooding caused by groundwater remains a possibility this winter. Please remain prepared. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please check that they can operate effectively.”

In Preston Candover and Old Alresford, groundwater levels are high and rising. The Environment Agency says that a number of properties are likely to experience cellar flooding and that rising groundwater will reduce the ability of septic tanks to operate properly in Old Alresford.

Map of potential flooding in the Candovers (Image: Environment Agency)The website says: “Internal flooding to an isolated property in Old Alresford could be possible in the next 2 weeks. We continue to monitor the forecast. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they can operate.”

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A flood alert has also been put in place for the River Blackwater near Romsey. The Environment Agency says: “In the next 8 hours, further heavy rain is forecast with up to 15mm possible. Given the amount of rain currently affecting the area, by 6pm it is possible that a Flood Warning will be issued for the onset of isolated property flooding. We continue to monitor the forecast. Our operations staff will work to ensure the river remains free of any reported blockages. Please ensure that pumps used to protect property are operating correctly.

Map of potential flooding near Romsey due to River Blackwater (Image: Environment Agency)“This Flood Alert will be updated by 3pm on January 3 or sooner, if we think property flooding will occur.”

More information about the flood alerts, including what to do in the event of flooding, can be found on the Environment Agency website.