Flood Alert Issued for River Kennet from Thatcham to Reading

Alert Details

Type: Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) Issued By: Environment Agency Effective: February 15, 2026

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading. Impacted regions include the counties of Reading, West Berkshire, and Wokingham. Specific areas mentioned as being at risk include Newbury, Theale, and Calcot.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these locations may be flooded. For the latest information on water heights, residents should check the River Levels Online service.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are currently present on the River Kennet from Newbury down to Reading. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected today. While river levels are currently described as high but stable, further rainfall is forecast for today, February 15, which has the potential to be heavy at times. These high levels are expected to persist over the next couple of days.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 9:16 AM on February 15, 2026. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous for at least the next 48 hours. The Environment Agency will provide an update on the situation by 12:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.