FLOOD alerts have been issued across the Salisbury area after a weather warning for rain.

The alerts come after days of rainfall, with a Met Office yellow warning in place until 10pm today (Tuesday).

The warning says residents should be aware that flooding of some homes and businesses is likely and power supplies could be affected, while drivers are asked to proceed more carefully due to spray and flooding on roads.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for Salisbury Plain with groundwater levels expected to rise in the coming hours.

The agency said: “Communities including Tilshead, Orcheston, Shrewton, Chitterne, Codford and those along the Wylye Valley are most likely to be affected.

“Residents should prepare property level flood resilience measures including pumps where they are fitted.”

People living across the Cranborne Chase area are also advised to be prepared as flooding is possible.

“Following a brief slightly drier spell groundwater levels have continued to rise overnight, but at a slower rate than in previous days. However, further rainfall is expected through to the middle of next week," the Environment Agency added. 

“Prolonged heavy rainfall will inevitably accelerate the rate that water table rises. Where groundwater is near the surface, intense rainfall will lead to surface water flooding.

“There are particular problems with roads flooded and impassable to some at Monkton up Wimborne, Stubhampton, Gussage St Andrew and Minchington.”