THE risk of groundwater flooding is rising in parts of Hampshire.
The Environment Agency has issued alerts for several towns and villages across the county, saying that flooding is possible.
Groundwater flooding is when water rises up from the underlying chalk, rather than from rivers or streams. Cellars are most at risk.
Alerts are in place for villages surrounding Andover, along with Vernham Dean, Upton and the Bourne Valley.
Communities at risk of groundwater flooding surrounding Andover, include Appleshaw, Hatherden, Penton Mewsey, Redenham, Weyhill Bottom, Kimpton, Amport and Monxton.
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“The spring at Biddesden could begin to flow from Thursday (28/12/2023). From today (27/12/2023) until Sunday (31/12/2023), the weather is forecast to be unsettled with up to 35mm across these five days. We expect groundwater levels to peak around the time of New Year.
“From the beginning of January 2024, cellar flooding in Penton Grafton and Kimpton, groundwater emergence into Deacon and Down Road, Kimpton, and surface water flooding in Thruxton could be possible, and is also likely after further heavy rain affects the area. We continue to monitor the forecast. Please remove valuables from cellars and ensure pumps used to reduce water levels can operate.”
In the Bourne Valley, groundwater levels are high and rising slowly, and in Vernham Dean, the current rate of rise is 3cm per day.
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“We expect groundwater levels to peak in the next couple of days below the level we would expect to see cellar flooding and inundation of the sewerage system in Upton. We do not expect significant impacts to property at Vernham Dean, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Stoke or St Marybourne for at least the next couple of weeks.
“When heavy or prolonged rain affects the Bourne Valley, groundwater levels will begin to rise again. We continue to monitor the forecast. In Upton, if you have pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they can operate. We advise all residents in the Bourne Valley to remain prepared for flooding impacts this winter.”
The Environment Agency states that the flood alerts will be updated by 5pm on Wednesday, January 3.
A further alert is in place for the Salisbury Plain area, including Shipton Bellinger, Tidworth, Cadley and Newton Toney, but the risk of groundwater flooding is reducing.
The alert states: "The next ten days will bring some fairly unsettled weather which could produce some heavy periods of rainfall. Groundwater levels will respond very quickly under the current very wet surface conditions."
More information about the flood alerts, including what to do in the event of flooding, can be found on the Environment Agency website.
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