BASINGSTOKE is being warned to brace itself for more bad weather as one of the wettest winters on record continues.

Further rain is expected, with up to 100mm forecast to fall between now and the weekend, accompanied by strong winds.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “Further rain will swell rivers even further, and the groundwater level is now very high, with ditches full of water and water lying in fields in many areas.

“Therefore local flooding is now expected as there is simply nowhere for the rainwater to go.

“Our first priority is to keep the main roads clear of fallen trees and surface water as far as we can.

“I’d ask all residents to take extra care on the roads - it’s difficult to judge the depth of water, and some water is quite fast flowing. “Please take heed of road sign warnings and be mindful of all other road users.

“We will continue to have extra highways crews on standby, ready to deal with the effects of the weather. We have been dealing with around one hundred sites across Hampshire that have been flooded.

“So far, we have deployed over 20,000 sandbags on the highways in areas that are hardest hit. We’re doing everything we can, but some disruption is inevitable given the amount of rain forecast.”

The county council's emergency planning team is also prepared and on standby, to support the emergency services and to assist those who need help with emergency situations that may arise as a consequence of the heavy rainfall.

Advice on flooding can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/flooding, and flood warnings can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods. For school closures visit www.hants.gov.uk/education/schoolclosures.

If anyone has concerns about any older or vulnerable people in their community during times of adverse weather, they should call 0845 603 5630 or out of hours 0845 600 4555.