Public information following heavy rainfall
Public information following heavy rainfall
Winchester
There have been a number of months of above average rainfall and this, combined with the impact of recent storms, has raised river levels and ground water levels in various locations across the Winchester district. A number of flood (ground water and river) alerts are in place. The latest information is available at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=+winchester
As part of our on-going work in Winchester to minimise the risk of flooding we are working with the Environment Agency to manage river levels through our network of sluices. The aim is to maximise water flows, ease surface water drainage and help drain groundwater from the city centre.
Over the next few days this controlled movement of water means some levels may fluctuate, especially in Water Lane and the Weirs, where you may see levels increase (with potential for overlapping the riverbank). This is controlled movement and should not cause undue concern.
Winchester district
Meanwhile across the district we are in daily contact with parish councils and are closely monitoring groundwater levels. We have ordered more sandbags to assist communities, and they have been deployed in Littleton, Headbourne Worthy, Kings Worthy and Bramdean.
General advice
There is further forecast rainfall in the coming days. Properties in flood risk areas should take the opportunity to ensure their contingency plans are in place. For the latest information on flooding, please sign up for the Environment Agency’s updates: www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
To find out where flood alerts are in the district visit https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings?location=+winchester
The Environment Agency and Local Government Association have published a practical guide regarding steps people can take to prevent or minimise the impact of groundwater flooding – this can be viewed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/297421/flho0911bugi-e-e.pdf
A range of advice regarding flooding more generally is available at the Environment Agency’s website: https://www.gov.uk/topic/environmental-management/flooding-coastal-change
Flood prevention guidance on reducing the risks and impacts of flooding, with links to the organisations involved in different types of flooding, is available at: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/flooding/floodprevention
Sandbags
The council has a limited stock of sandbags which will be prioritised for use in locations which will achieve the widest benefits for communities affected by serious flooding, with the aim of reducing risk to properties.
We are not able to issue sandbags for general issue to individual homes and businesses. Property owners are responsible for protecting their premises and are advised to purchase their own supply. Sandbags can be obtained from DIY stores and builders’ merchants.
The Environment Agency has produced guidance on the use of sandbags: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/467902/LIT_3833.pdf
Important contact information for residents
Find out who to report a flood or possible cause of flooding to at: https://www.gov.uk/report-flood-cause
If you believe the flooding is from a main river contact the Environment Agency at: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency or phone 0800 80 70 60
Surface water on the highway can be reported direct to Hampshire County Council at www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/roadproblems.
Urgent issues on the highway can be reported to the county council by phoning 0300 555 1388 during office hours and 101 outside of office hours.
Advice from Hampshire County Council, other local authorities and the Environment Agency on managing the risk of flooding is available at:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/environment/flooding/sandbags
Council tenants can call the housing out-of-hours number on 01962 865 405. If you feel it is an emergency situation call 999.