Flood Alert Issued for West Dorset Rivers and Streams as Water Levels Rise

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the West Dorset Rivers and Streams area. This alert was officially raised at 3:45 PM on February 15, 2026, in response to rising river levels caused by persistent rainfall and unsettled weather conditions.

Affected Areas

The alert covers geographic regions within Devon and the Dorset Council area. Specific watercourses currently under monitoring include:

• River Lim
• River Char
• River Winniford
• River Simene
• River Brit
• River Asker
• River Mangerton
• River Bride

Locations near these rivers and streams remain at risk. Specifically, residents at Church Street in Burton Bradstock are advised that they may need to prepare their pumps as river levels continue to respond to the weather.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Avoid low-lying areas: Stay away from footpaths and bridges located near local watercourses.
• Do not enter flood water: Do not attempt to walk, cycle, or drive through flood water.
• Vehicle Safety: Never drive through flood water; as little as 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.
• Property Preparation: Residents in flood-prone locations, particularly in Burton Bradstock, should ensure flood defense equipment is ready for use.

Expected Conditions

The region is experiencing a period of unsettled weather. Recent rainfall has caused river levels to rise across the catchment. With further rain occurring today, the Environment Agency expects river levels to continue to increase. Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the rainfall continues.

Timeline

The alert became effective at 3:45 PM on February 15, 2026. The Environment Agency expects to provide a formal update on the situation by 5:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.