Flood Alert Issued for Tidal River Waveney Across Norfolk and Suffolk

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the tidal River Waveney. This alert, designated with a severity level 3, was officially raised at 10:19 AM on February 17, 2026, in response to rising water levels.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the tidal River Waveney from Ellingham to Breydon Water, spanning the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Specific concern has been noted for high water levels at Beccles Quay. Residents in these low-lying areas should remain vigilant as the situation develops.

What You Should Do

Residents and visitors in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• Avoid using low-lying footpaths which may be submerged.
• Monitor local water levels and stay informed on further updates.

Expected Conditions

Flooding is possible due to high tides combined with high river flows from upstream. River levels are expected to remain high because of recent rainfall and natural tide locking effects. These conditions are anticipated to impact the region over the next two days.

Timeline

The alert is effective as of 10:00 AM on February 17, 2026, and is expected to remain in place for the next few days. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update by 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, or sooner if conditions change.