Flood Alert Issued for River Ray and Tributaries in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Ray and its surrounding tributaries. The alert was officially raised at 5:10 PM on February 15, 2026, following a period of rainfall that has caused river levels to rise. This alert indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain prepared.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Ray and its tributaries from Shipton Lee to and including Islip. This geographic area spans across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Specific watercourses identified in the alert include:

• River Ray
• Wootten Brook
• Doddershall Brook
• Tetchwick Brook
• Lugershall Brook
• Murswell Hill Brook
• Cutters Brook
• Piddington Brook
• Blackthorn Brook
• Panshill Brook
• Studley Wood Brook
• Beckley Brook
• Oddington Brook
• Gallos Brook
• Chipping Farm Stream

Additionally, the agency noted that more severe Flood Warnings are currently in force for the River Ray from the Heath Bridge area to the Otmoor Basin, as well as the Islip area.

What You Should Do

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

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these are most susceptible to flooding.
• Monitor local weather reports and current water levels via River Levels Online.
• Remain vigilant as river levels are expected to remain high and sensitive to further precipitation.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently rising in response to today’s rainfall. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected to continue through the evening and overnight, particularly in the Islip area. Further rainfall is forecast for this evening and overnight, which has the potential to be heavy at times. The Environment Agency expects river levels to continue a slow rise overnight and remain high over the coming days.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately as of February 15, 2026. Conditions are expected to persist overnight and into the following days. The Environment Agency will provide an updated message by 12:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.