Flood Warning Issued for Bourne Valley and The Winterbournes Due to High Groundwater

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a formal Flood Warning for groundwater flooding in the Bourne Valley - The Winterbournes. This warning indicates that flooding is expected due to high groundwater levels across the Wessex area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific regions within Hampshire and Wiltshire. Communities identified as being at risk include:

• Winterbourne Gunner
• Winterbourne Dauntsey
• Winterbourne Earls
• Laverstock

What You Should Do

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

• Prepare and implement property resilience measures immediately.
• Ensure that any installed water pumps are in working order and switched on.
• Consider alternative power sources for pumps in the event of a power outage.
• Be aware that septic tanks and sewer systems may become inundated.
• Monitor cellars, as these are at particular risk of flooding.

Expected Conditions

Groundwater levels in Salisbury Plain are currently high, with the Clarendon borehole recording a level of 73.98m. The Environment Agency notes that levels remain reactive to further rainfall. These high groundwater levels are also expected to influence the River Bourne, increasing the risk of fluvial (river) flooding in the valley.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 2:54 PM on February 24, 2026. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation and expects to provide an update by 4:00 PM on March 3, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.