RESIDENTS are being urged to prepare for flooding in Tidworth and Shipton Bellinger as river levels are high.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning as the river levels are high on the River Bourne due to raised groundwater levels and the recent rainfall.

It said: “Flooding could occur at Ludgershall Road and Penning Road North of Plassey Close in Tidworth and at High St Junction with Bulford Road in Shipton Bellinger.”

READ MORE: LIVE: Hampshire faces severe railway chaos as extreme rainfall expected

Andover Advertiser: The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for Tidworth

A further flood warning is in place in the Bourne Valley for The Winterbournes.

The warning published on Tuesday, January 2, sates: “The next three days will bring some fairly unsettled weather which, when combined with the heavy rainfall we have experienced since the New Year, will mean groundwater levels at the Queen Manor Farm and Clarendon boreholes will continue to rise for the remainder of the week.

“Ensure that any property level resilience measures such as pumps, flood barriers and air brick covers are deployed and are in working condition.

“Avoid driving through flood water as the bow wave from vehicles can damage nearby properties.”

READ MORE: Groundwater flood alerts issued across Andover and Test Valley

Flood alerts remain in place for villages surrounding Andover, including Appleshaw, Hatherden, Penton Mewsey, Redenham, Weyhill Bottom, Kimpton, Amport and Monxton, along with Vernham Dean, Upton and the Bourne Valley in North Hampshire including Hurstbourne Tarrant and St Mary Bourne.

The Environment Agency has stated: “The weather forecast for the next five days is for relatively small amounts of rain. However, there is a possibility that heavy rain (45mm) could be recorded in Hampshire on Thursday (04/01/2024). Groundwater is expected to rise until mid-January 2024, and could rise quickly if heavy rain affects the valley. We continue to monitor the forecast.”