Flood Alert Issued for Lower Avon and Tributaries Across Wessex Region

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Lower Avon and its tributaries. While river levels are currently dropping, they remain higher than normal and are responsive to further rainfall. This alert indicates that flooding is still possible in the affected regions.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Wessex area, specifically impacting the following counties:

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• Dorset Council
• Hampshire

Areas most at risk include the tributaries between Ringwood and Christchurch. Low-lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Ringwood Old Cottage, are expected to be affected.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area should take the following precautions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.
• Do not attempt to walk, cycle, or drive through flood water.
• Exercise extreme caution: just 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently reacting to previous rainfall. While a drier spell is expected for the next couple of days, further rain is currently forecast for Thursday, February 26, 2026. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely as the river remains sensitive to additional precipitation.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised on February 24, 2026, at 10:04 AM. A drier spell is anticipated until Thursday, February 26. This message is scheduled for an update by 10:00 AM on February 25, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.