Nearly seven inches of rainfall have inundated Bermuda so far this month, making it the wettest February in 18 years — and forecasts indicate there’s plenty more to come.

A total of 6.8in of rain has fallen this month, as recorded by Bermuda Weather Service.

An incoming frontal system is likely to bring more thunderstorms by Thursday.

The Fire Service has responded to 28 calls of flooding this month, ranging from alarms triggered by water in electrical detectors, two cases of walls collapsing and flooding properties, and several houses with water damage ranging from two to five inches high, which had to be pumped clear.

Flooding also hit one apartment complex, affecting three homes.

Government environmental engineer Geoff Smith said rainfall for February has varied in recent decades from just one inch — to a whopping 8.5in in 1996.

So far 1996, 1993, 1991, 1986 and 1980 are ahead of 2014’s levels.

“The two days of very high rainfall this month included the night of 13th to the 14th, where a collective 3.2in of rain fell, in addition to a collective 2.1in over February 23 to 24,” Mr Smith added.

“For ground that is already relatively saturated, these events caused some flooding to some households and businesses.”

Last year’s total rainfall was five inches over the annual average of 57in, and the wet start to 2014 has helped to address the below average rainfall received in 2010 through 2012, he said.

The generous rains have topped up the Island’s subterranean reserves of freshwater “lenses”, which are monitored closely by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The Department issues some 4,100 water rights to commercial and Government services that convert groundwater into a usable supply.

Mr Smith said the central lenses situated mainly beneath Pembroke and Devonshire were currently “well above their sustainable target level” — along with the Somerset Lens and St George’s Lens.

The lens at Port Royal is slightly below target, and water removal there is being carefully checked.

“Typically, short term excesses in rainfall occur at times when potable water is less in demand and there is limited storage capacity in Bermuda,” Mr Smith said.

Surface floods have affected the Island’s usual trouble spots, especially around Pembroke Canal, with flooding impacting parking at the Bermuda Athletic Association premises, and drenching businesses in Mills Creek.

Ray and Nancy Madeiros suffered severe flooding at their Melville Road, Devonshire property on Valentine’s Day — resulting in their tenant Paddy Furlong almost getting trapped in his basement apartment in the early hours. The 30-year-old accountant managed to escape via a tiny window, describing the incident as the “most terrifying of his life”.

The damage to that apartment and an adjoining flat is likely to cost Mr and Mrs Madeiros thousands of dollars to repair — and they have urged Government to install flood drains on Melville Road as soon as possible to avoid a repeat episode.

A Public Works spokesman said Government hoped to have a well drilling company on site by next week.

Mr Madeiros said yesterday that the heavy rain over the weekend caused some flooding but he personally cleared the drains near his home to prevent more damage.

“We made out quite well over the weekend with all that rain. Our property got flooded again but it was not anywhere near what it was before.

“The basement apartments did not get threatened at all.

“I personally maintained the drains on Melville Road and kept them free from debris myself.

“Every time I went up there, I kept them free from branches and leaves. [As a result] we didn’t get any backlash from Watlington Road.”

He said Works chief engineer Peter Havlicek visited his property on Sunday evening, riding through the rain in the dark on his motorcycle to get there.

Mr Madeiros said he hoped the flood drains would be installed soon and he would “keep after” Government until it was done, having first made a request for the work in 2008.

He and his wife will eventually be seeking new tenants for the basement flat where Mr Furlong and his wife Louise lived, as the couple have decided to move elsewhere.

“We have no animosity,” said Mr Madeiros.

His wife added: “We love them dearly.”