Flood Alert Issued for River Stort and Stansted Brook Catchment in Essex and Hertfordshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Stort and Stansted Brook catchment. This alert, classified as severity level 3, was officially raised at 11:09 AM on February 16, 2026, by the Hertfordshire and North London agency office.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions within Essex and Hertfordshire. Specific locations identified as most at risk include low-lying land and roads near the following sites:

• Lawrence Moorings (Sheering Mill Lane)
• Italstyle Industrial Estate
• Highlands Farm
• The Old Cottage

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses.
• Do not use bridges located near the River Stort or Stansted Brook.
• Monitor local weather reports and water levels closely as the situation develops.

Expected Conditions

Rising river levels throughout the day on February 16, 2026, may lead to flooding. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring the situation closely as water levels respond to current conditions in the catchment area.

Timeline

The flood alert is effective as of February 16, 2026. Officials expect to provide an update on the situation by 5:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.