A FLOOD alert has been made for the River Blackwater near Romsey.

The Environment Agency made the alert, which covers Landford to East Wellow and Wade Bridge on the River Blackwater, and Cadnam to Ower on the Cadnam River at 9.20am on Thursday, March 28.

The alert on the agency's website says: "The water level in the River Blackwater at Ower and Cadnam River is high and rising. In the past 24 hours, 20mm of rain has been recorded in Romsey. This total, whilst not that large, has simply added to a river which is already high as a result of heavy rainfall recorded over the last few days.

Hampshire Chronicle: Map showing the area covered by the flood alertMap showing the area covered by the flood alert (Image: Environment Agency)

"From 9am this morning (Thursday, March 28), the river will flood land, fields and roads at Cadnam, West Wellow, Landford and Ower. Water levels will also be very high around the mill building at East Wellow. In the next 24 hours, further rain is forecast with up to 30mm possible.

READ MORE: Met Office warns of high winds as it issues yellow weather warning

"Given the amount of rain forecast for the area, a Flood Warning may be issued later this evening for onset of isolated property flooding. 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 agency said that the alert will be updated by 6pm on Friday, March 29, or sooner if it believes property flooding is likely to occur.

More information on what to do in the event of flooding can be found on the Environment Agency website.