Hampshire flood alerts still in place a week after Storm Henk

While the Met Office has forecast that the wet weather has passed, water levels remain high in some areas, with groundwater flooding, where water rises from the underlying chalk, rather than from rivers or streams, a particular concern.

In Hampshire, the Environment Agency has issued flood alerts for groundwater flooding in Bishop’s Sutton, Bramdean and Cheriton, Hambledon, Hursley, King’s Somborne and Little Somborne, Littleton, Headborne Worthy, Kings Worthy and Martyr Worthy, Easton and Chilland, the Candovers and Old Alresford, Alton, Twyford and Hensting, and in the Meon Valley from East Meon to Soberton.

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Communities at risk of groundwater flooding in the Meon Valley in Hampshire include East Meon, West Meon, Warnford, Exton, Corhampton, Meonstoke, Droxford and Soberton.

The new flood alert for Alton says: “Groundwater levels are rising in response to recent rainfall across the area and have continued rising at our Farringdon observation borehole. Groundwater levels are higher than normal for this time of year and have now reached a level where communities may now be affected by flooding from groundwater.

Map showing where the groundwater flood alert in Alton is in effect (Image: Environment Agency)“The catchment remains sensitive to rainfall due to saturated ground and high groundwater levels. Low-lying land, gardens, roads and cellars will therefore continue to be at risk of flooding.

“Due to the nature of groundwater behaviour, this situation could continue for several weeks or longer.”

Drivers should be aware that a long stretch of the A32 at Farringdon is at flood risk, creating a potential danger.

The flood alert for Twyford and Hensting warns that a small number of properties can expect to be affected by cellar flooding.

The alert says: “Minor impact flooding affecting Hensting Lane will begin imminently. The spring on Finch’s Lane has started to issue, and the Bourne is starting to flow in the ditch on Hazeley Road.

Map showing where the flood alerts are in effect in Twyford and Hensting (Image: Environment Agency)SEE ALSO: Man admits to stealing two bottles of champagne from Marks & Spencer

“The next 5 days are forecast to be dry. Groundwater levels are expected to peak before the end of this week. More significant impacts to a larger number of properties could occur in Twyford after the next heavy rain event.

“Groundwater levels will be sensitive to any further rainfall. Please be prepared for increased impacts this winter. If you use pumps to help reduce water levels, please ensure that they are operating.”

Meanwhile, the Environment Agency says that groundwater levels in Hambledon are expected to stabilise over the next week.

For more information on the flood alerts, and what to do in the event of flooding, visit the Environment Agency website.