THE flooding of cellars could start to occur in Hampshire in the next few weeks after the heavy rainfall in the autumn.

The Environment Agency is reporting that King's Somborne, near Stockbridge, could soon be at risk.

The warning comes as groundwater levels across Hampshire rise steadily. Levels are now at or very slightly above their long-term average for this time of year.

It follows the torrential rainfalls of November which saw roughly twice the long-term average and in December when a third more than usual was recorded.

The agency says levels at King's Somborne and Hursley, near Winchester, are higher than usual and the agency has increased monitoring.

At King's Somborne, the agency says further heavy rainfall or snowfall could cause cellar flooding could occur in the next few weeks.

Over the next few weeks, the cold weather may delay rainwater reaching the groundwater.