Flood Alert Issued for River Piddle and Tributaries in Dorset

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Piddle and its tributaries. This alert, classified as a severity level 3, was updated on February 16, 2026, at 9:31 AM. The alert indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain prepared.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Wessex area, specifically within the jurisdiction of the Dorset Council. Affected locations include areas near the River Piddle and River Trent. High river levels have been recorded at the South House, Little Puddle, and Briantspuddle river gauges. Specific geographic concern is noted for low-lying land and roads around tributaries between Alton Pancras and Wareham.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.
• Do not attempt to walk, cycle, or drive through flood water.
• Continue to monitor local water levels and weather conditions.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain high at key monitoring stations. While no further rain is forecast over the next couple of days, the existing high water levels mean that flooding could still affect locations near the River Piddle. Low-lying land and roads are expected to be the most impacted areas.

Timeline

The alert was updated on the morning of February 16, 2026. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely. A formal update to this message is expected by 5:00 PM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.