Flood Alert Issued for River Thames in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Thames and its tributaries. The alert was officially raised at 11:59 AM on February 17, 2026, due to high river levels that may lead to flooding in the region.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the River Thames and its tributaries from Days Lock to above Pangbourne. Specific geographic regions affected include parts of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. Impacted areas include Benson, Wallingford, Goring, and Streatley. The alert specifically mentions 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 travelers in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying footpaths and roads near rivers, as these may be flooded. The Environment Agency recommends monitoring current conditions through the River Levels Online service.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently rising slowly on the Thames and its associated tributaries. Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected throughout today, February 17, 2026. While the forecast for today and overnight is predominantly dry, further rainfall is expected tomorrow. River levels are anticipated to continue rising today as water moves downstream and will likely remain high over the coming days.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect as of February 17, 2026. High water levels are expected to persist for several days. The Environment Agency plans to provide an update on the situation by 12:00 PM on February 18, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.