Flood Alert Issued for Tidal Thames Riverside from Thames Barrier to Putney Bridge

Flood Warnings medium Environment Agency · · Greater London

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Thames in London, effective Thursday afternoon due to a combination of high tides and increased river flows.

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Tidal Thames riverside, stretching from the Thames Barrier to Putney Bridge. The alert was issued on the morning of Thursday, February 19, 2026, following forecasts of high tides combined with high river flows from upstream.

Affected Areas

The alert covers a broad geographic scope across Kent, South London, and East Sussex, specifically affecting the following counties and boroughs:

  • City of London and Greater London
  • Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea
  • Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark
  • Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, and Westminster

Specific locations with a possibility of flooding include Custom House (EC3R), Narrow Street (E14), the Mayflower and Angel pubs (SE16), the Royal Naval College riverfront, the Almshouse Slipway at Crane Street (SE10), Bankside by the Tate Modern (SE1), and Three Mill Island (E3).

What You Should Do

Residents and commuters are advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water. The Environment Agency is currently checking flood defences in the area to mitigate potential impacts.

Expected Conditions

Flooding is possible due to high tides and high upstream river flows. The forecast high tide at London Bridge is 4.50 mAOD, expected at 03:00 PM on February 19. The river flow at Teddington Weir is currently 274 cubic metres per second and is rising slowly. While riverside flooding is possible, the Environment Agency noted that flooding of properties is not expected at this time.

Timeline

The alert is effective from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Astronomical tide levels are expected to peak tomorrow, and river flows are anticipated to rise slowly over the next few days. This message will be updated by 7:00 PM on February 19, 2026, or as the situation changes.

Source: Environment Agency Official Notice