Flood Alert Issued for River Thames and Tributaries from Days Lock to Pangbourne

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the River Thames and its tributaries. The alert was raised on February 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM following high river levels that pose a risk to the surrounding areas.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Thames and its tributaries from Days Lock to above Pangbourne. Specific geographic regions include parts of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. Locations expected to see flooding of low-lying land and roads today include:

• Benson
• Wallingford
• Goring
• Streatley

Watercourses affected include the River Thames, Lady Brook, Ewelme Stream, Mill Brook, West Hagbourne Stream, Hakkas Brook, Cholsey Brook, and Kibble Ditch.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the affected areas are advised to avoid using low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these may be flooded. The Environment Agency recommends monitoring current river levels through official online updates to stay informed of changing conditions.

Expected Conditions

High river levels are currently impacting the region. While levels are beginning to stabilise, they remain high and highly sensitive to additional precipitation. The weather forecast indicates predominantly light rain over the next 48 hours, though this may be heavy at times, potentially impacting the rate at which water levels recede.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of February 19, 2026. The Environment Agency is actively monitoring rainfall and river levels and expects to provide an updated message by 12:00 PM on February 20, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.