Flood Alert Issued for River Blackwater in Hampshire and Wiltshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the River Blackwater. This alert indicates that flooding is possible due to high river levels resulting from heavy rainfall forecast for the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Solent and South Downs area, specifically impacting the following regions in Hampshire and Wiltshire:

• Cadnam
• West Wellow
• Landford
• Ower
• East Wellow (specifically affecting the mill building)

What You Should Do

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

• Consider activating any flood protection products you may have, including pumps.
• Monitor local rainfall and river levels closely.
• Avoid driving or walking through flooded fields and roads.

Expected Conditions

Forecasters expect approximately 25mm of rain on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This heavy rain is likely to cause the River Blackwater to rise, leading to the flooding of land, fields, and roads. Water levels are expected to be particularly high around the mill building at East Wellow.

Timeline

The flood risk is most significant on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. River levels and the associated flood risk are expected to begin reducing by Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Environment Agency will monitor the situation and provide an update by 6:00 PM on February 19, 2026, or sooner if conditions change.