PARTS OF Ringwood and Christchurch have been issued a new flood alert due to high amounts of rainfall and saturated ground.

The Government issued an alert this morning (January 28) for the River Avon and tributaries from Ringwood down to near the Christchurch Bypass.

However, with further rainfall forecasted for this evening and the next couple of days, residents have been urged to expect flooding.

Drivers have been advised to plan their routes and “avoid low lying roads”.

The alert said: “River levels are high and continue to rise at the Ringwood Old Cottage river gauge as a result of the ground being saturated and reacting to the recent rainfall we have experienced over the last 10 days.

“Consequently, the risk of flooding remains.

“We believe there is a possibility of flooding for tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch. Further rain is forecast tonight, and over the next few days.

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, plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers which may be flooded and refer to local authority website for local road closures.

This information was last updated at 5:20pm Thursday January 28, 2021, with the message due to be updated on Saturday January 30, or as the situation changes.