HAMPSHIRE has suffered the second worst rainfall in the South, enduring its “worst winter rainfall in 250 years” according to Hampshire County Council.

It comes as county highways teams are deploying thousands of sandbags to keep roads open to try and repel the worst of storm Charlie tomorrow.

Cllr Sean Woodward, executive member for the environment, said: “Our priority is to protect Hampshire’s highways in this very difficult situation.

“Frontline teams have been working round the clock to keep on top of the on-going weather problems on the roads, dealing with flooding, fallen trees and emergency repairs.

“We will continue to do all we can with extra teams, gully emptiers and sandbags but the ground is so saturated now, and the rivers so full, there is really nowhere else for further rainfall to go.

“We continue to work with our partners at district councils, and the emergency services to deal with the situation across the county, caused by the most significant winter rainfall in nearly 250 years.”

The council is also applying for Government cash to fund immediate repairs for infrastructure.