Flood Alert Issued for Middle Hampshire Avon and Tributaries Across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Middle Hampshire Avon and its tributaries. This alert, managed by the Wessex agency office, indicates that flooding is possible in the region. River levels have begun to plateau but remain high following recent rainfall and significant groundwater levels.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the Middle Hampshire Avon and its tributaries within the jurisdictions of Dorset Council, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. Specifically, the Environment Agency warns that low-lying land and roads near rivers around the tributaries between Salisbury and Ringwood are most at risk.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to 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 on roads; just 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a vehicle.
• Monitor local authority websites for information regarding road closures.

Expected Conditions

While river levels are currently plateauing, they remain elevated due to the Hampshire River Avon’s reaction to recent weather and high groundwater. Forecasts for today and tomorrow indicate low rainfall totals; however, even these small amounts may cause a further reaction in river levels. Agency officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 9:27 AM on February 22, 2026. This message and the status of the alert are scheduled to be updated by 10:00 AM on February 23, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.