Flood Alert Issued for Mid Bristol Avon Area: Residents Advised to Monitor Rising River Levels

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the Mid Bristol Avon area. This alert, classified as a severity level 3, indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain vigilant. The alert was officially raised at 11:57 AM on February 16, 2026, following high river levels on the Bristol River Avon.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Wessex region, specifically impacting the counties of Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire. Key areas of concern include:

• The Bristol River Avon
• Semington Brook at Semington
• Mid Bristol Avon at Bradford-on-Avon
• Geographic corridor between Melksham and Bathford

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.
• Be aware that flood gates at Holt Road may be closed to manage water flow.
• Monitor local weather reports and stay updated on river conditions as the situation evolves.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the Semington Brook and the Mid Bristol Avon remain high. While levels are currently described as stable or falling, flooding of roads and low-lying land remains a distinct possibility, particularly in the areas between Melksham and Bathford. Light rainfall is forecast for Monday and Tuesday, with the potential for weather conditions to worsen on Wednesday and Thursday.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 16, 2026, and flooding risks are expected to persist throughout the week. The Environment Agency is monitoring the situation closely and plans to provide an update by 12:00 PM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.