Flood Alert Issued for Tidal River Waveney in Norfolk and Suffolk

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert (Severity Level 3) for the tidal River Waveney. This alert indicates that flooding is possible due to high tides forecast over the next three days, combined with recent rainfall and natural tide locking effects.

Affected Areas

The alert specifically covers the tidal River Waveney from Ellingham to Breydon Water. This geographic area spans the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk within the East Anglia region. High water levels are particularly expected at Beccles Quay.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water. It is recommended to avoid using low-lying footpaths which may be submerged. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring the situation closely.

Expected Conditions

River levels are expected to be high at Beccles Quay. The combination of recent rainfall and natural tide locking—a phenomenon where high tides prevent river water from flowing out to sea—is contributing to the increased flood risk.

Timeline

The alert is effective starting at 8:00 PM on 16 February 2026 and is expected to persist for the next few days. An update to this message is scheduled to be issued by 10:00 AM on 17 February 2026, or earlier if the situation changes.