The Environment Agency is warning of the risk of flooding from rivers and streams with further heavy rainfall expected Thursday evening.

 

Further heavy rainfall is expected across much of the South East later today, with 20-30mm forecast in some areas. Rivers which are currently at flood alert levels are particularly susceptible to increased rainfall and there is the possibility of property flooding across some parts of the South East as result, including within Hampshire, and the Isle of White.

Ian Tomes, Environment Agency area flood risk manager, said:

“With more heavy rain falling on already saturated ground and swollen rivers, I would encourage people to check the Environment Agency website for the latest flooding situation and to sign up to receive direct flood warnings. I would urge those who may be at risk to take steps to limit the damage a flood can cause to themselves and to their property.

"Our Area Incident Room has opened, we have mobilised teams across the country to check on flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels. These teams have been working around the clock to reduce the risk of flooding and will remain out in force over the coming days to remove blockages.

"We will do everything we can to warn and inform people about the risk of flooding from rivers but we cannot always prevent it, so people need to take action to prepare now.”

At the time of posting, there are no flood warnings or alerts in place for Monks Brook or for the River Itchen, but these are some of the local flood warning areas where the Environment Agency may possibly issue Flood Warnings and Alerts over the next few days.

Headbourne Worthy to Otterbourne

Otterbourne to Woodmill

Shawford, Twyford, Brambridge, Highbridge & Bishopstoke

Gaters Mill Mansbridge and Woodmill

Chandlers Ford to Swaythling on Monks Brook

Householders and businesses in the areas at risk should monitor the environment agency website and sign-up for the Floodline Warnings Direct service.

The Environment Agency’s Floodline Warnings Direct system sends messages directly to those signed up when flooding from rivers is possible in the areas where they live. In Eastleigh, that service is available to homes and business in the purple area shown on this map.

The Environment Agency updates its flood guidance every 15 minutes at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood. Flood warning can also be obtained by calling 0845 988 1188 or by following @EnvAgencySE on Twitter.

Weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office can be found at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/, or by following @metoffice on Twitter or on Facebook

Ray Turner / Eastleigh News

• If flooding does occur in the Bitterne Park area near you, please keep us posted. Thanks