Flood Alert Issued for River Anker and River Sence in West Midlands Through March 1

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Anker and River Sence catchment areas. This level 3 severity alert was officially raised on the morning of February 28, 2026, in response to high river levels that have already led to localized flooding.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the West Midlands region, specifically impacting geographic areas within Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Warwickshire. Flooding is expected to affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to:

• The River Anker: Between Nuneaton and Tamworth.
• The River Sence: Between Temple Mill and Ratcliffe Culey.

Specific locations identified as high-risk include Nuneaton, Mancetter, and Polesworth.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take the following precautions:

• Stay away from floodwater: Water may contain hidden dangers, including open manhole covers, raw sewage, and hazardous chemicals.
• Avoid travel: Do not attempt to drive or walk through low-lying roads near rivers, as they may be submerged.
• Monitor updates: Local residents should remain vigilant as the situation develops.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently rising at Nuneaton, Mancetter, and Polesworth. Forecasters indicate that peak levels are expected to be some of the highest ever recorded in these locations. Peak levels at Nuneaton and Mancetter are anticipated this afternoon, while the River Anker at Polesworth is expected to peak overnight.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately and remains in place through Saturday, February 28, and into Sunday, March 1, 2026. The Environment Agency is monitoring rainfall and river levels and will provide an update by 11:00 AM on March 1, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.