A FLOOD alert has been issued for the River Blackwater near Romsey.
The Environment Agency made the alert, which covers Landford to East Wellow and Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River at 3.42pm on Friday, March 1.
The alert says: "The water level in the River Blackwater at Ower and Cadnam River is high and rising. In the last 12 hours, 10mm of rainfall has been recorded in Romsey. Whilst this is a modest amount, it follows weeks of prolonged wet weather. From 5pm this afternoon (Friday, March 1), 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. Rainfall has mostly cleared the area today.
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"We expect the river will continue to rise at least until 6pm today (March 1). Further rain (up to 15mm) is forecast on Saturday morning (March 2).
"River levels will be high, and flooding impacts will likely continue throughout Saturday (March 2). 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."
A further flood alert has been issued for the River Test, covering the river and its tributaries from Romsey to Totten.
The alert says: "At Romsey and Testwood, levels in the River Test are high and continue to rise. In the last 48 hours, 23mm has been recorded in Romsey and follows weeks of prolonged wet weather.
"Currently (March 2), there is a significant amount of water flooding land and fields from Timsbury to Romsey. At Romsey Industrial estate, water may be ponded on land near to Greatbridge Road. Land at Broadlands and Testwood will also flood.
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"For the rest of today (March 2) and tomorrow (March 3), the weather is forecast to be more settled. However, further rain is forecast for Monday, March 4 (up to 15mm) with showers over the coming week. Flood impacts will remain throughout this period.
"Land at Romsey and Testwood may remain flooded over the next 2 to 3 weeks. We are managing sluices to balance water levels through the town. We recommend private sluice owners undertake regular sluice operations. Flooded land at Testwood may require livestock to be moved."
More information on what to do in the event of flooding can be found on the Environment Agency website.
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