Flood Alert Issued for Middle Hampshire Avon and Tributaries Between Salisbury and Ringwood

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the Middle Hampshire Avon and its tributaries. This alert, managed by the Wessex area office, indicates that flooding is possible in the region due to high river levels resulting from recent rainfall and high groundwater levels.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions within Dorset Council, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. Specifically, the Environment Agency notes that locations most affected will be low-lying land and roads near rivers around the tributaries situated 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.
• Exercise extreme caution as just 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.
• Monitor local authority websites for information regarding road closures.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the Hampshire River Avon remain high. Current conditions are exacerbated by high groundwater and previous rainfall. Further precipitation is forecast for tonight and over the weekend, which is expected to impact river levels further. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 10:37 AM on February 27, 2026. This message is scheduled to be updated by 11:00 AM on February 28, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.