Flood Alert Issued for Mid Bristol Avon Area Affecting Wiltshire and Bath and North East Somerset

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the Mid Bristol Avon area. This severity level 3 alert indicates that flooding is possible due to rising water levels on the Bristol River Avon. The alert was officially raised on the morning of February 27, 2026.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the Wessex area, specifically impacting parts of Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire. Specific locations identified as at risk include Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham, and Bathford. Authorities have noted that the flood gates at Holt Road may be closed as a precautionary measure.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the affected regions are advised to avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses. It is recommended to monitor local weather reports and stay prepared for potential road closures, particularly between Melksham and Bathford.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the Mid Bristol Avon at Bradford-on-Avon are currently rising. Flooding of roads and low-lying land is possible. While there is uncertainty regarding the exact volume, further rain is forecast for Friday night and into Saturday, which is expected to cause river levels to rise further in response.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 27, 2026, and flooding remains possible throughout the current week. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation and expects to provide an updated message by 11:00 AM on February 28, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.