Flood Alert Issued for River Salwarpe in Worcestershire; Rising Levels Threaten Low-Lying Areas

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a formal flood alert for the River Salwarpe in the West Midlands. The alert, designated as severity level 3, was raised on the afternoon of 15 February 2026, following observations of rising river levels.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the geographic region of Worcestershire, specifically targeting low-lying land and roads adjacent to the River Salwarpe. The primary area of concern extends from Catshill to Hawford. Other specific locations that may be affected by the rising waters include:

• Stoke Heath
• Stoke Prior
• Elmley Lovett
• Droitwich Spa
• Ombersley

What You Should Do

Residents and commuters in the warning zone are advised to take the following safety measures:

• Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water, as conditions can be more dangerous than they appear.
• Take extra care when traveling near riverbanks or low-lying roads.
• Monitor local news and Environment Agency updates for changes in the situation.

Expected Conditions

According to the Environment Agency, rising river levels throughout the day on 15 February 2026 are likely to lead to flooding on roads and land immediately adjacent to the river. Officials are currently monitoring the situation closely to determine if further warnings will be necessary.

Timeline

The alert became effective at 3:39 PM on 15 February 2026. The Environment Agency has stated that this message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 16 February 2026, or earlier if conditions change significantly.