THE Environment Agency today issued a flood warning for the centre of Salisbury, the second in Wiltshire in 24 hours.
The warning is for Middle Avon properties on The Close adjacent to the river and St Nicholas Road.
It was issued at 1.45am this morning and in a post on its website the agency said: “Flooding is expected in this area. This means properties are at risk of flooding. Please take action to protect yourself and your property and monitor local weather and river conditions. Avoid contact with, walking or driving through flood water. Consider activating any property flood protection products you may have. The Environment Agency Flood Warning System has issued this message based on rising river or tidal levels. We are temporarily automating our messages due to industrial action."
READ MORE: Environment Agency: Flood warning for the River Avon near Salisbury
The new warning comes after a similar one was issued for the River Avon between Salisbury and Ringwood.
A warning from the agency means that flooding is expected. An alert says that it is possible.
An alert, saying flooding is possible is in place for the Middle Avon and its tributaries: “River levels are expected to remain high on the Middle and Lower Hampshire Avon, River Nadder due to rainfall. Areas most at risk include tributaries between Salisbury and Ringwood. Further rainfall is forecast overnight. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This Flood Alert will be removed when there is no further risk of flooding.”
SEE ALSO: Public notices: planning applications and road closures
The agency has issued alerts for several places in Wiltshire. There are warnings of expected groundwater flooding on the South Wiltshire Downs, at The Dene, Chilmark and The Teffont and the Ebble Valley. Groundwater flooding is when water rises up through the chalk rock and impacts on properties from below.
The agency said: “Following three months of above average rainfall, groundwater levels in the area have risen considerably, and with further rainfall forecast over the next ten days are set to rise yet further. Up to date groundwater levels for the area can be seen at Down Barn groundwater monitoring site which can be accessed at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk.”
A flood alert over possible flooding is now in place in the Ebble Valley on tributaries between Alvediston and Nunton.
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