Flood Alert Issued for River Lambourn and Tributaries in West Berkshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the River Lambourn and its tributaries. The alert was officially raised on February 17, 2026, at 10:47 AM due to high river levels in the Thames area.

Affected Areas

The geographic scope of this alert includes the River Lambourn and its tributaries from Upper Lambourn down to Newbury in West Berkshire. Specific watercourses identified include the River Lambourn, Great Shefford Stream, and Winterbourne Stream. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is specifically expected in the Shaw area.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these areas are prone to flooding under current conditions. Local residents should monitor the situation and visit River Levels Online for the latest updates on water levels.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently high but stable. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected today, February 17, 2026. While the forecast for today and overnight is predominantly dry, further rainfall is expected tomorrow. Authorities expect river levels to remain high over the next several days.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 17, 2026. High river levels are anticipated to persist for the next few days. The Environment Agency will provide an updated message by 12:00 PM on February 18, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.