Flood Alert Issued for River Kennet Between Thatcham and Reading

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Kennet, specifically the stretch from Thatcham down to Reading. The alert was officially raised on the morning of February 20, 2026, following a rise in river levels.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes regions within Reading, West Berkshire, and Wokingham. Specific locations at risk of flooding include:

• Newbury
• Theale
• Calcot
• Low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Kennet from Thatcham to Reading.

What You Should Do

Residents and commuters in the affected areas are advised to take the following actions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these areas may already be flooded.
• Monitor local weather reports and current river conditions.
• Visit the River Levels Online service for real-time updates on water levels in your area.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently high on the River Kennet from Newbury down to Reading. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected today, February 20, 2026. The forecast predicts predominantly light rain over the next 48 hours, though periods of heavy rain are possible. Officials expect river levels to remain high and sensitive to any additional rainfall over the coming days.

Timeline

This alert is effective as of February 20, 2026. The Environment Agency is monitoring rainfall and river levels continuously. An update to this alert is expected by 12:00 PM on February 21, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.