Flood Alert Issued for Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes in West Sussex

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes. This level 3 severity alert indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain prepared for minor impacts due to high river levels following weeks of rain.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Aldingbourne and Barnham Rifes area within the Solent and South Downs region of West Sussex. Specific locations identified for potential impact include:

• Riverside Caravan Centre (fields, roads, and land)
• Barnham Road and Lake Lane
• Shripney Road (specifically the Tesco car park)
• General fields and land adjacent to the Rife

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Consider activating any available flood protection products you may have.
• Avoid driving or walking through roads that flood, specifically Barnham Road and Lake Lane.
• Monitor local conditions as unsettled weather is forecast to continue throughout February.

Expected Conditions

The Aldingbourne Rife is currently high. Persistent rainfall is forecast to continue until 17:00 on February 15, 2026. While the river is expected to rise by less than 20cm, minor flood impacts are already affecting fields and roads. The Environment Agency is currently clearing debris screens through Barnham and operating pumps at Felpham to manage water levels.

Timeline

• Persistent Rain: Forecast to continue until 17:00 on February 15, 2026.
• Road Impacts: Minor flooding is expected to affect Barnham Road and Lake Lane starting from 14:00 on February 15.
• Peak Levels: River levels are expected to peak in Barnham by 18:00 on February 15, and in Bersted by 06:00 on February 16.
• Future Outlook: On Monday, February 16, minor flooding could begin to approach the Tesco car park on Shripney Road. While only isolated showers are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, widespread rain is expected on Wednesday, February 18, which may cause the flood risk to return.
• Next Update: This message is scheduled to be updated by 20:00 on February 16, 2026.