ACRES of Hampshire land is now at risk of groundwater flooding following Storms Ciara and Dennis.

The Environment Agency has issued a number of flood alerts across after heavy rain battered the county over the last two weeks.

Alerts are in place in Twyford, Hursley, Bramdean, Cheriton, Littleton, King Worthy and Stockbridge.

The River Meon is also at risk of flooding.

Rod Murchie, recently-retired water resources manager at the Environment Agency, warned that we are entering a crucial period.

“We have had a lot of rain and groundwater levels are approaching the surface. I believe there might have been some flooding of cellars already.

“The worst years were in 2000 and 2014. It appears not to be as bad as that yet. This is the crucial period, late winter early spring.

“The situation is ready for groundwater flooding. Everywhere is saturated, the rivers are close to overflowing, as is the Itchen Navigation and damaging the towpath. If we have more heavy rain it will happen.”

He said groundwater flooding is difficult to predict. “It is not like a river where you can say ‘in 12 hours these levels are going to peak’. You cannot with groundwater. All you can say to people is ‘get ready and be prepared.’"

Mr Murchie made the point that the authorities need to keep in touch with local knowledge.

"We have lost touch with older people in the villages who know everything," he added. "We are talking to them better now than back in 2000. There are flood groups where older people have the opportunity to have their input."

Groundwater flooding happens when the rock beneath the ground, which is mainly chalk in Hampshire, is saturated by significantly more water than usual.

Because it is unable to drain quick enough, the water begins to rise instead.

Chalk is like a sponge and when it absorbs more water than it can take, it rises to the top casing groundwater flooding.

  • See the gallery for photos of Winchester this morning after Storm Dennis