Flood Alert Issued for River Colne from Great Yeldham to Colchester

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the River Colne. This alert indicates that flooding is possible due to rising river levels following recent rainfall in the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Colne from Great Yeldham to Colchester in Essex, East Anglia. Specific areas most at risk include low-lying land and riverside areas around:

• Great Yeldham
• Castle Hedingham
• Sible Hedingham
• Halstead
• White Colne
• Chappel
• Fordstreet
• Toppesfield Brook
• Colchester (specifically between the A12 and East Street)

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to take care. You should avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring rainfall and river levels to assess further risks.

Expected Conditions

River levels are rising this morning as a result of recent rainfall. Flooding of low-lying land and riverside areas is possible starting from the morning of 16 February 2026.

Timeline

The alert was raised on the morning of 16 February 2026. Officials will monitor the situation throughout the day and provide an update by 5:00 PM on 16 February 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.