HEAVY rainfall in recent days has led to a flood alert being issued for parts of the New Forest and Christchurch.

The Government currently has the alert in place for the River Avon and tributaries from Ringwood down to near the Christchurch Bypass.

A notice on the flood information service said residents should be prepared as flooding is possible.

The alert says: "River levels are high but steady at the Ringwood Old Cottage river gauge as a result of the ground being saturated and reacting to the heavy rainfall we have experienced over the last 10 days.

"Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland remains.

"We believe there is a possibility of flooding for tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch.

"Further light showers are forecast today, January 27, with heavier rainfall forecast from Thursday and through the weekend.

"We expect river levels to remain high and respond to further rainfall. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and see the gov.uk website for a five-day flood forecast."

An update on the alert is due to be made on Thursday, January 28.