Flood Alert Issued for Lower Stour and Tributaries Across Dorset and Hampshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the Lower Stour and its tributaries. This alert, categorized as severity level 3, was officially raised at 3:42 PM on February 15, 2026, by the Wessex regional office.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Lower Stour and its tributaries, including the River Allen and River Stour. The geographic scope includes the following counties and council areas:

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• Dorset Council
• Hampshire

Flooding remains possible at locations near the Lower Dorset Stour and the tributaries between Wimborne and Christchurch, with low-lying land and roads expected to be most affected.

What You Should Do

Residents 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. The Environment Agency notes that as little as 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.
• Check local authority websites for the latest information on road closures.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain high following recent rainfall. The Environment Agency reports that further rainfall is forecast over the next few days. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as water levels impact low-lying areas and transportation routes.

Timeline

The alert was issued on the afternoon of February 15, 2026. A formal update is expected to be provided by 4:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.