A FLOOD alert has been issued for the River Blackwater near Romsey.
The Environment Agency made the warning, which covers Landford to East Wellow and Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River at 7.27pm on Wednesday, February 21.
This warning comes after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind and rain across the county.
The warning says: “The water level in the River Blackwater at Ower and the Cadnam River is high and rising. In the last 24 hours, 17mm of rainfall has been recorded in Romsey. This total, whilst not that large, has simply added to a river which is already high as a result of heavy rainfall recorded over the last few months.
“From 8pm this evening (February 21) the river will flood land, fields and roads at Cadnam, West Wellow, Landford and Ower. Water levels will also be very high around the mill building at East Wellow. We expect the river will rise at least until 10pm. Although water levels will be much higher than normal, property flooding is not currently expected. Rain has now cleared the area.
“Further rain is forecast tomorrow (February 22), with up to 15mm forecast. 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.”
READ MORE: Met Office issues weather warning for wind and rain
A further flood alert has been issued for the River Meon at East Meon, West Meon and Wickham.
The alert says: “In the last 24 hours nearly 19mm of rainfall has fallen at Warnford. This is in addition to the prolonged rainfall experienced over the last few months. From this afternoon (February 21), surface water and river flooding will impact roads through East Meon, West Meon, Exton and Meonstoke. The river will be out of bank in some locations. From 4pm, this afternoon, the river may flood gardens and the Millennium Water Meadows at Wickham. Lighter rain is forecast for the remainder of today. Tomorrow (February 22), a further 12mm of rainfall is forecast.
“Residents who have low-lying property near to the river should remain prepared for flooding. Any pumps used for high groundwater levels should be checked to ensure they can be operated.”
More information on what to do in the event of flooding can be found on the Environment Agency website.
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