EXPERTS are watching water levels in case Hampshire sees a repeat of the chaos and misery caused by the floods of 2000.

It comes after more than double the usual amount of rainfall was recorded in November, while December is also set to be above average.

The Environment Agency, which monitors flood risks, is checking river levels and the water table.

While the county has escaped major flooding so far, continued rainfall could leave the ground saturated.

If the water table rises too high then it can pour out of the ground, or engulf cellars and basements with little or no warning.

Such incidents, known as 'groundwater flooding', can occur far away from lakes and rivers where floods might not be expected.

This is exactly what happened at Hambledon in November and December 2000.

Despite being two miles from the River Meon, parts of the village were underwater for several weeks.

Residents were left clearing up as water poured out of the ground and flowed through the streets.

Parts of Winchester were also flooded that winter including St Bede CE Primary School in Gordon Road, which was damaged severely.

It was not until 2003 that pupils returned to the site after extensive repairs and refurbishment.

The Environment Agency, which has its county HQ in Colden Common, has a weather station in nearby Otterbourne.

In November 83mm or 3.3 inches of rain is expected, but it recorded 195.4mm or 7.8 inches last month.

A further 91mm or 3.6 inches is the December average, but that also looks likely to be beaten. The most recent figure - taken on Monday, December 21 - said 82mm or 3.3 inches had already fallen.

Since then a mixture of snow, hail, sleet and freezing rain has followed.

Average annual rainfall at Otterbourne is 801mm or 32 inches, but this year's figure is 842.2mm or 33.2 inches and rising.

The agency is checking three boreholes at King's Somborne, Preston Candover and Chalton near Horndean.

In the agency's December bulletin it said the water table was rising at all three sites, but groundwater flooding should be avoided.

Its prediction is based on water levels being below average before the November rains, and drier weather to come. As a result, the ground should be able to cope.

"The more settled conditions which are forecast should allow time for the water falling on the ground surface to reach the water table rather than being lost to rivers and drains.

"In these situations groundwater levels are likely to continue to rise slowly," the report said.

More details are available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/99556.aspx.