Flood Alert Issued for River Lambourn and Tributaries from Upper Lambourn to Newbury

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the River Lambourn and its tributaries. This alert was raised on February 22, 2026, at 9:24 AM following a rise in river levels that may lead to flooding in the Thames area.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Lambourn and its tributaries from Upper Lambourn down to Newbury. Specific geographic areas of concern include:

• County: West Berkshire
• Rivers: River Lambourn, Great Shefford Stream, and Winterbourne Stream
• Specific Locations: Low-lying land and roads, particularly in the Shaw area.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these areas are prone to flooding.
• Monitor current river conditions by visiting River Levels Online.
• Remain vigilant as river levels are expected to stay high and sensitive to additional rainfall.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are currently impacting the region, with flooding of low-lying land and roads expected today, February 22, 2026. Weather forecasts indicate predominantly light rain over the next 48 hours, though some periods of heavy rain are possible. These conditions are expected to keep river levels elevated for several days.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately as of February 22, 2026. The Environment Agency is actively monitoring rainfall and river levels and expects to provide an update by 12:00 PM on February 23, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.