Flood Alert Issued for River Kennet and Tributaries from Berwick Bassett to Newbury

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Thames area, specifically covering the River Kennet and its tributaries. The alert was raised at 11:08 AM on February 16, 2026, following observations of high river levels that may lead to flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The alert encompasses the River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury. Specific geographic regions affected include:

• Counties: Swindon, West Berkshire, and Wiltshire.
• Rivers: River Kennet, River Og, River Aldbourne, Froxfield Stream, River Dun, and River Shalbourne.
• Specific Locations: Knighton, Hungerford, and the Newbury areas are cited as being at particular risk for flooding of low-lying land and roads.

What You Should Do

Residents 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 ‘River Levels Online’ for the most current updates on water levels in your specific area.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently high, and flooding of low-lying land and roads is possible throughout today, February 16, 2026. While the forecast for today is predominantly dry, scattered showers are expected, some of which may be heavy. These conditions are likely to keep river levels elevated over the coming days.

Timeline

The alert is currently effective as of February 16, 2026. Officials expect river levels to remain high for several days. The Environment Agency is scheduled to provide an updated message by 12:00 PM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.