WINCHESTER has been warned to brace for a wet winter in the next few months, ahead of flooding in some parts of the city.
The nation has been urged to prepare for major flooding as a wet winter is set to spread across the country, experts warn.
A Met Office outlook predicts wetter than normal conditions over the next three months from November to January, with conditions set to get worse from January next year.
With weather warnings issued, the Environment Agency is urging people to check flood risks in their area and what to do if flooding occurs in their home.
Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office, said: "Winters in the UK usually include a wide variety of weather and this winter looks to be no exception.
"However, when looking at the big global drivers that impact weather in the UK there are indications this winter could be wetter than normal.
"Although these wetter conditions are most likely in January and February next year, details will become clearer nearer the time and information can be found on the forecast pages of our website."
It comes at the start of "flood action week", where the agency has listed its findings from a survey, which found that three-fifths (61 per cent) of households in flood-risk areas were not aware their home was at risk of flooding.
Caroline Douglass, executive director of flooding at the Environment Agency, said: “Now is the time for us all to be vigilant, not complacent, about flooding.
“We can’t prevent all flooding – climate change is only increasing that risk – and today’s figures show that while some people are prepared, many are not.
“It’s vitally important for the public to go online and check if they are at risk, sign up for Environment Agency warnings, and know what to do if flooding hits,” she said.
A map on gov.uk shows the extent of flooding from rivers or the sea in Winchester, with some parts showing 'high', 'medium' and 'low' impact.
Warning drivers to give plenty of time for their journeys over the winter period, Tony Rich from the AA said: "Drivers should take extra care where roads dip, for example under bridges, as these areas are more likely to flood.
"Floodwater can be deceptively deep, and it doesn’t take much for water to get sucked into your engine. It can also mask other hazards in the road, such as displaced manhole covers, so if in doubt turn around and find another route."
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