Cracked flood defences hold

The South had a break from the rain today. But there is a warning tonight that more heavy downpours are on the way - falling onto ground already saturated and on rivers already swollen.

There are currently seven Flood Warnings_ in place in the Meridian West region for this weekend. Four across Dorset, two in Hampshire, and one at Langbridge on the Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, almost 70 Flood Alerts_ are in place across the South East - including 15 in Oxfordshire and 10 across Berkshire, where flooding is possible.

Our Correspondent, Andrew Pate, has spent the day with homeowners - already counting the cost.

With flood alerts still in place across the South, here are some of the best places to look for help and advice during the Christmas period:

• Get all the latest flood news from the Environment Agency here.
• You can get tips and advice from The Health Protection Agency here.
• There is advice from the fire service on how to prepare for floods here.
• And you can find out how to protect your animals on the RSPCA website here.

VIDEO: It's been a day of incredible tension in the Hampshire village of Wallington - after flood defences holding the river at bay began to crack. Fred and Sangeeta link to Kerry Swain for a floods round-up.

Fareham Council: "Due to heavy rainfall overnight and today there is flooding in the Wallington and Titchfield areas. The next high tide is a 0513 tomorrow morning. Fareham Borough Council is maintaining its Emergency Control Centre to ensure the safety of residents.

"An emergency contact number has been set up, telephone 01329 - 824794 for anyone with concerns for their property or friends and family in the area."

VIDEO: More than 80 homes have been evacuated. The Environment Agency is worried about cracks in the flood defences. Interview with Sean Woodward, Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council.

VIDEO: Flood pictures in from village of Emsworth near Portsmouth.

Sandbags are being made available for the residents to collect from the Cobb and Pen Public House Wallington, and at Bridge Cottage and Bridge Street Titchfield. Village may be evacuated shortly.

Wallington floods: an emergency contact number has been set up- 01329 824794.

Fareham Council: "Due to heavy rainfall overnight and today there is flooding in The Wallington and Titchfield area. Fareham Borough Council has set up its Emergency Control Centre and are working closely with Hampshire County Council and the emergency services to ensure safety of residents.

"Sandbags are being made available for the residents to collect from the Cobb and Pen Public House Wallington, and at Bridge Cottage and Bridge Street Titchfield."