Flood Alert Issued for Western Rother in Hampshire and West Sussex

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the Western Rother. This alert, classified as severity level 3, indicates that flooding is possible and residents should remain vigilant as water levels rise in response to recent weather patterns.

Affected Areas

The alert covers the Western Rother catchment area across Hampshire and West Sussex. Specific communities and locations identified in the alert include:

• Fittleworth (including areas near Fittleworth Mill)
• Liss
• Iping
• Sheet
• Lodsbridge near Selham

What You Should Do

Residents in Lodsbridge and Fittleworth are advised to consider activating any flood protection products they may have. The Environment Agency recommends monitoring local water levels and avoiding travel through flooded fields or rural roads where water may be present.

Expected Conditions

The Western Rother is currently high at Fittleworth, with flood water present in fields close to Fittleworth Mill. Persistent rain is expected to continue until 17:00 on February 15, 2026. While only a small additional river rise is anticipated, flood impacts are expected to affect fields and rural roads. There is a possibility of water approaching gardens in the following areas:

• Sheet: From 15:00 on February 15
• Lodsbridge near Selham: From 20:00 on February 15
• Iping and Fittleworth: During the evening of February 15

Timeline

River levels are expected to peak and begin falling according to the following schedule:

• Liss: Peak at 20:00 on February 15
• Iping: Peak at 02:00 on February 16
• Lodsbridge near Selham: Peak at 10:00 on February 16
• Fittleworth: Peak at 20:00 on February 16

Isolated showers are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, which should allow river levels to return toward normal in most communities. However, widespread rain is forecast for Wednesday, February 18, which may cause flood risks to return. This alert message will be updated by 20:00 on February 16, 2026.