Residents warned as flooding predicted across Salisbury area

The Environment Agency has issued alerts across the Salisbury area this morning (Saturday, March 2).

Property flooding is expected, and sewage systems may become inundated, with some roads likely to be flooded.

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Flood warnings are in place in the Southampton Road Industrial Estate, Dolphin Park Industrial Estate and the Muttons Bridge area.

A message on the Environment Agency website says: "River levels are high and rising in the River Bourne due to the recent heavy rainfall and groundwater influx. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Bourne, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Southampton Road Industrial Estate, Dolphin Park Industrial Estate and the Muttons Bridge area.

Map showing where flood alerts and flood warnings have been issued (Image: Environment Agency)

"River levels are expected to remain high, and the risk of flooding to roads remains. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Please monitor your local water levels and weather conditions. Consider putting your flood plan into action.

"You should avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water."

Warnings have also been put in place across the South Wiltshire Downs and the Bourne Valley for groundwater flooding. These warnings cover the Winterbournes, the Collingbournes, the Dene including Hindon, Fonthill Bishop, Fonthill Gifford and Chicklade.

The Environment Agency website says: "The weather over the next two weeks will continue unsettled with a band of rain expected early next week and another by next weekend. These will bring periods of light to moderate rainfall. This will maintain groundwater levels at their current position for several days. There is a hint that a blocking high pressure system will become established to the east of the country bringing some respite as more settled weather develops.

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"Property flooding is expected and sewage systems may become inundated.

"Residents should deploy any property resilience measures such as pumps, flood barriers and air brick covers.

"Avoid driving through flood water as the bow wave from vehicles can flood adjacent properties.

"Do not lift manhole covers to alleviate local surface water flooding as this may cause toilets further downhill to surcharge."

Further flood alerts have been issued in the Salisbury Plain area and the Cranbourne Chase area.