Flood Alert Issued for Middle Stour and Tributaries in Dorset

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the Middle Stour and its tributaries. This alert indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain vigilant as river levels remain high.

Affected Areas

The alert specifically covers the Middle Dorset Stour tributaries between Sturminster Newton and Wimborne. Impacted areas include locations near the River Stour and the River Lodden within the Dorset Council region of the Wessex area. Low-lying land and roads near these watercourses are expected to be the most affected.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area 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.
• Continue to monitor local water levels and weather conditions for further updates.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain high and flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Middle Dorset Stour tributaries. While the forecast for today is dry, additional rainfall is expected later this week. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely as the ground remains saturated.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 10:58 AM on February 17, 2026. This message is scheduled to be updated by 11:00 AM on February 18, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.