Parts of Britain could be at risk of further flooding for months to come because so much rain has fallen so far this year, according to new analysis.
Latest official figures from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) show rivers in the south and southwest of England reached exceptionally high levels in January, with some breaking records.
And the soil is so saturated in areas that have borne the brunt of the deluge that water is rising up through the ground – an invisible threat that could suddenly flood homes.
The Environment Agency (EA) has also warned of a significant risk of so-called groundwater flooding that could persist for months.
Mark Garratt, flood duty manager at the agency, said: “Significant groundwater flooding impacts are probable in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts probable in Hampshire and West Sussex.
“Due to steadily rising levels, minor groundwater flooding impacts are possible in Kent and East Sussex.”
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The monthly statistics from the UKCEH confirm that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had their wettest January on record, with 170% of their normal rainfall.
It was also one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for southern counties of England.
River levels in the affected areas surged as a result, with three reaching their highest flows for January, and two setting a record.
Monitoring at boreholes across Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent also showed that groundwater levels at 29 sites were above normal.
At 28 sites levels were so high that there was a risk of flooding from water rising from beneath people’s homes.
And at 10 sites levels had reached their highest on record.
Groundwater flooding ‘can take people by surprise’
Professor Hannah Cloke, a world-leading hydrologist at Reading University, told Sky News: “Groundwater flooding is invisible. It comes up through the floorboards. It seeps out in the middle of the night, and people aren’t expecting it.
“It’s not like you’re living near to a river, and you expect that flooding. So it can be very serious. It can take people by surprise.
“And it is very persistent. It can last for a long time. So this could last for months in some of these places.”
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According to the Met Office, the jet stream is lying further south than normal for the time of year.
The high altitude winds have also been supercharged by cold weather in North America, generating bands of persistent rain that have lingered over parts of the UK.
Further rain is forecast and the EA has urged people to stay alert to flood warnings.
