Flood Warning Issued for Avon Valley from Amesbury to North of Salisbury

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for the Avon Valley, stretching from Amesbury to the north of Salisbury. This alert is specifically for groundwater flooding within the Wessex area of Wiltshire.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Avon Valley region. Specific locations identified as being at risk include:

• Amesbury
• Great Durnford
• Upper Woodford
• Middle Woodford
• Lower Woodford

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take the following actions:

• Prepare property resilience measures immediately.
• Ensure that any installed water pumps are functional and switched on.
• Identify alternative power sources for pumps in the event of a power outage.
• Be prepared for the possible inundation of septic tanks and sewer systems.

Expected Conditions

Groundwater levels across Salisbury Plain remain high, though they are currently beginning to plateau. The borehole at Stoford Cross recently recorded a level of 71.43m, representing a slight decrease. However, flooding of roads and property cellars is expected in the affected areas. While the region has experienced a few days of drier weather, further rainfall is forecast to begin on Thursday, February 26, which may cause levels to rise again.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised on February 25, 2026. The forecast rainfall starting Thursday is expected to cause groundwater levels to rise through the upcoming weekend. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation and expects to provide an update by 2:30 PM on March 4, 2026, or sooner if conditions change.