Flood Alert Issued for Upper River Medway Affecting Kent and East Sussex

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Alert (Severity Level 3) for the Upper River Medway. This alert indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain vigilant as river levels are forecast to rise.

Affected Areas

The alert covers a broad geographic area including:

• Counties: East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex.
• Specific Locations: Low-lying land and roads situated near the River Medway within the Kent, South London, and East Sussex regions.

What You Should Do

The Environment Agency advises the following precautions for residents in the warning area:

• Take care when traveling in the affected areas.
• Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• Monitor local weather reports and water levels as the situation develops.

Expected Conditions

Forecasts indicate rising river levels overnight. The primary hazard identified is the potential flooding of low-lying land and transportation routes near the riverbanks. The Environment Agency is currently monitoring the situation closely.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised on the evening of February 18, 2026. Flooding is considered possible throughout February 19, 2026. Officials expect to provide an update by 11:00 AM on February 19, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.