Flood Alert Issued for River Cherwell from Lower Heyford to Oxford

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert for the River Cherwell and its tributaries. The alert was officially raised at 8:46 AM on February 15, 2026, due to high river levels that pose a risk to low-lying areas.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Cherwell from Lower Heyford down to and including Oxford. Specific watercourses identified in the warning include:

• River Cherwell
• Woodeaton Brook
• Bayswater Brook
• Marston Brook
• Peasmoor Brook

Geographic focus areas include Oxfordshire, with specific mention of potential impacts around Kidlington and Thrupp.

What You Should Do

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

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these may be flooded.
• Monitor local weather conditions and river levels.
• Visit the River Levels Online service for real-time updates on the situation.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are currently impacting the region, and flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected to continue throughout Sunday, February 15. The forecast indicates further rainfall today, which has the potential to be heavy at times. Officials expect river levels to remain high over the coming days.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect as of February 15, 2026. The Environment Agency expects to provide an update on the situation by 12:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.