Flood Alert Issued for Middle Hampshire Avon and Tributaries Across Wessex Region

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Middle Hampshire Avon and its tributaries. This alert, categorized as severity level 3, was updated on February 16, 2026, at 9:58 AM. The alert is driven by high river levels resulting from recent rainfall and elevated groundwater levels.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the Wessex area, specifically covering:

• Counties: Dorset Council, Hampshire, and Wiltshire.
• Specific Locations: Low-lying land and roads near rivers around the tributaries between Salisbury and Ringwood.

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.
• Never drive through flood water; just 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.
• Consult local authority websites for information regarding road closures.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently remaining high along the Hampshire River Avon. While no further rainfall is expected over the next couple of days, the Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely as groundwater levels remain high and continue to impact low-lying land.

Timeline

The alert was raised on February 16, 2026. The Environment Agency expects to provide an update on the situation by 5:00 PM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.