A new online tool has been launched to help people check their flood risk.

Hampshire County Council developed the toolkit so that people can see how much at risk their homes, businesses, and land.

This comes as the council predicts increased rainfall this autumn and winter due to climate change.

The toolkit, accessible on the council's website, provides advice on preparing for and reducing flood damage.

Cllr Kirsty North, council cabinet lead for universal services, said: "At least eight of the last 12 months have seen above-average rainfall with the highest number of named storms on record.

"Checking your flood risk is now easily done online and takes just a few minutes.

"If you find your property is at greater risk, you can sign up to receive warnings from the Environment Agency about possible flooding from rivers, the sea, or groundwater, together with advice on the practical steps you can take to be prepared.

"This could include joining a local Community Flood Action Group which supports residents to reduce flood risk in those areas where flooding could be the most severe, keeping a supply of sandbags, or checking your insurance cover is up to date."

The council said now is a good time for people to check drains and water channels on their property, and remove any blockages.

The council has cleared 43,479 drains and gullies in the first three months of this financial year alone.

The toolkit is aimed at communities, parish and town councils, householders, landowners, and businesses.

It provides information on flooding, advice, and support, as well as where to report flooding for assistance.

The council also advises people in flood-prone areas to prepare a grab bag in case they have to leave home at short notice.

This should include a torch, emergency contacts, medicines, important documents, money and credit cards, pet food, mobile phone chargers, bottled water, toiletries, spare house and car keys, plus any essential items for babies and children.

Cllr Zoe Huggins, the council’s cabinet member with responsibility for overseeing the authority’s climate change activity, said: "Recent years, and indeed the past few weeks, have demonstrated the impact climate change is having on our weather patterns, with prolonged periods of heavy rainfall becoming more frequent."