PARTS of Hampshire have been deluged with almost a third of their average March rainfall in just 24 hours.

Heavy showers are set to continue at least for the next few hours, forecasters have warned.

Met Office experts said it is likely that several areas in Hampshire have had up to an inch (25mm) of rain over a 24-hour period, with 20.8mm recorded at Broughton, near Stockbridge, 14.6mm at Brockenhurst and 13.8mm at Otterbourne.

Average rainfall expected for March is 65mm.

Several flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible and warning residents to be prepared, have been issued by the Environment Agency.

The River Blackwater, which flows through Landford and Wellow before joining the River Test at Totton, is on flood alert, as are the lower River Avon tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch.

There are also flood alerts out on areas at risk of groundwater flooding at Twyford, Hensting, in Colden Common, Hursley, Bishops Sutton, near Alresford, Kings Somborne and Little Somborne, Chawton and areas of west Hampshire including West Tytherley, Nether Wallop and Broughton.

Heavy showers will continue for the next few hours before moving eastwards in the late afternoon.

Tonight will be largely dry with possible short, isolated showers, with a mixture of bright spells and showers to come in the next few days.

 

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