A FLOOD warning has been issued for communities along the Middle Hampshire Avon, with flooding expected today as river levels continue to rise.

The Environment Agency says areas at risk stretch from south of the A36 at Salisbury to Blashford in Ringwood, including Charlton All Saints, Breamore, Fordingbridge and Bickton.

Rising river levels are being driven by already high groundwater and further prolonged rainfall, with more rain forecast over the coming days expected to keep levels elevated.

The agency said it is continuing to monitor rainfall and river conditions and warned that flooding is expected.

Residents in affected areas are being urged to begin putting flood plans into action and to deploy any flood protection measures they have in place.

The flood warning will be reviewed and updated by 11am tomorrow (Friday, February 7), or sooner if conditions change.