Flood warning: be prepared for potential groundwater flooding

Friday, 20 January 2023 00:00

Wiltshire Council is advising residents in areas at risk of groundwater flooding – particularly in the south of the county – to be prepared as water levels continue to rise.

There have been some flooding incidents in Wilton and Britford during the past week, and groundwater levels in the Salisbury Plain and Cranborne Chase areas are currently high. Although the weather is forecast to be mostly dry during the coming days, people should be prepared in case of groundwater flooding.

To ensure they are best prepared, people should sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts and be ready to act in case of a warning.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Flooding, said: “Groundwater in the south of the county is currently at high levels, and there are some Environment Agency flood warnings and alerts currently in place, so people should be prepared.

“Of course, this can change quickly, and so people should sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings for up-to-date information and know what to do in case of groundwater flooding.

“Fortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much rain forecast over the coming weekend, but with both rivers and groundwater levels high around the county, any further rainfall will increase the risk of flooding, so it is essential that people are prepared.”

The council is working closely with the Environment Agency and water companies to help reduce the potential impacts of flooding. It also works with town and parish councils through its network of flood wardens to ensure communities are as resilient as possible and to help them prepare effectively.

More from Local News

The Barber Academy Celebrates Ten Years

The Barber Academy is marking ten years since first opening its doors on Fisherton Street, celebrating a decade of training new and experienced barbers while operating as a fully working barbershop.
The International Salisbury Pancake Race Returns for 2026

A popular Salisbury tradition will return this year with a light-hearted contest that brings together workplaces, visitors, and residents in a celebration of shared local spirit.
Bishop of Salisbury to Commission Eight Volunteer Chaplains for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, is to commission eight volunteer chaplains to offer affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Christians and those exploring faith.
Tri-County Summit Boosts Joint Effort to Tackle Rural Crime

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has welcomed a renewed commitment to tackling rural crime following a tri‑county summit that brought together senior police leaders, MPs and representatives from rural organisations.
Local Voices Reveal Gaps and Solutions in Dementia Support

Safer and Supportive Salisbury (SaSS), the local community charity dedicated to building a safer and more supportive city, has published its Dementia Research Report 2025, an in-depth study into the experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support providers across the Salisbury area.
Rock and Roll Man Interviews: Part 3 - Julian Bird & Gary Turner

Rock and Roll Man opens its UK tour at Salisbury Playhouse in February, and Salisbury Radio was invited to talk to some of the team behind the show.
The Spitfire Café Brings Family Fun to Cross Keys This February Half Term

Families looking for something fun and weather-proof to do this February half term are invited to Cross Keys Shopping Centre, Salisbury, where The Spitfire Café will be hosting a special Kids’ Club throughout the school holidays.
Local RNLI branch seeks more volunteers

The Salisbury and Wilton Fundraising branch of the RNLI is calling on local people to give a little time to suppor their fundraising efforts.