Flood Alert Issued for River Thames and Tributaries in the Oxford Area

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a formal flood alert for the River Thames and its tributaries in the Oxford area. The alert (Severity Level 3) was raised on February 15, 2026, at 10:12 AM local time following a period of rising water levels.

Affected Areas

The alert specifically covers the River Thames and surrounding watercourses within the Oxford area of Oxfordshire. Impacted zones include low-lying land and roads adjacent to the river and its various tributaries.

What You Should Do

Residents and commuters in the Oxford area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Travel: Stay away from low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these areas are prone to sudden flooding.
• Monitor Conditions: Check “River Levels Online” for real-time updates on water levels in your specific vicinity.
• Stay Prepared: Be aware that river levels may rise again quickly in response to forecasted rainfall and high water levels moving from upstream.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently high across the Thames and other watercourses in the region. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected to continue throughout Sunday, February 15, 2026. While river levels are projected to stabilize today, they are expected to remain high for several days. Forecasts indicate further rainfall today, which may be heavy at times, potentially causing water levels to rise again.

Timeline

The alert is currently active and effective as of February 15, 2026. High river levels are expected to persist over the coming days. The Environment Agency has stated that this message will be updated by 12:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.