A FLOOD alert has been put in place for the River Blackwater near Romsey.

The alert means that flooding in the area is possible, and was issued on December 4 at 3.22pm.

It says: "The water level in the River Blackwater at Ower and Cadnam River has peaked but is still high. There has been little rain in the last 6 hours and so the river has had a chance to recover and levels are falling but slowly. The river will continue to flood land, fields and roads at Cadnam, West Wellow, Landford and Ower. Water levels will also continue to be very high around the mill building at East Wellow. Further rain however is forecast this evening (4/12/23) with a further 20mm possible overnight.

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"This may keep levels high in the Blackwater overnight and levels may rise again. We continue to monitor the forecast. Our operations staff will work to ensure the river remains free of any reported blockages. Please ensure that pumps used to protect property are operating correctly."

The alert covers Landford to East Wellow and Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River and comes after heavy rainfall as a yellow warning is issued for the area.

The Environment Agency website says that the alert will be updated by 11am today, December 5, or sooner if the agency believes that property flooding is likely to occur.

More information can be found on the Environment Agency website.