Flood Alert Issued for River Cole Across Birmingham and West Midlands

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Cole in the West Midlands. The alert was officially raised at 9:32 AM on February 28, 2026, due to high river levels resulting in localized flooding.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the West Midlands, specifically affecting areas within Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. Flooding is most likely to impact low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Cole between Majors Green and Coleshill.

What You Should Do

Residents are urged to stay away from floodwater, as it may contain hidden dangers including open manhole covers, sewage, and chemicals. The Environment Agency advises against using low-lying footpaths and any bridges located near local watercourses.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently high; however, data from the Swans Barn gauge indicates that levels are beginning to fall. Despite this downward trend, flooding remains possible for adjacent roads and low-lying terrain. The Environment Agency is actively monitoring both rainfall and river levels.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 28, 2026. A formal update to this message is expected by 11:00 AM on March 1, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.