Flood Warning Issued for Lower Avon from Ringwood to Christchurch

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for the Lower Avon. This alert indicates that flooding is expected and immediate action may be required. The warning was officially raised at 12:08 PM on February 15, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Lower Avon from Ringwood to Christchurch. Specific locations identified as being at the highest risk include:

• Bickerley
• Ringwood
• The B3347 from Christchurch to Stony Lane in Christchurch

Impacted local authorities include Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset Council, and Hampshire within the Wessex area.

What You Should Do

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

• Continue using any available flood protection products.
• Activate and follow your personal or business flood plan.
• Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• Safety Note: Do not attempt to drive through flood water; as little as 30cm of fast-flowing water is sufficient to move a vehicle.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the River Avon remain high due to a combination of recent heavy rainfall and high groundwater levels. The current weather outlook remains unsettled, with additional rainfall forecast throughout the day. This further precipitation is expected to cause river levels to rise further. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation.

Timeline

This alert was issued on February 15, 2026, and remains in effect. The Environment Agency expects to provide an update by 1:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes significantly.