Flood Warning Issued for Middle Hampshire Avon Between Salisbury and Ringwood

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for the Middle Hampshire Avon. This alert indicates that flooding is expected in the region as river levels continue to rise following recent weather patterns.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Middle Hampshire Avon from Salisbury to Ringwood. Specific locations in close proximity to the River Avon that are expected to experience flooding include:

• Britford
• Charlton All Saints
• Downton
• Fordingbridge

The affected geographic regions span Dorset Council, Hampshire, and Wiltshire within the Wessex area.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are advised to take the following immediate actions:

• Continue using any available flood protection products.
• Act on your flood plan if you have one.
• Take care and avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• Never attempt to drive through flood water; as little as 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.

Expected Conditions

River levels on the Hampshire River Avon remain high and are continuing to rise. This is the result of recent rainfall combined with high groundwater levels. The weather remains unsettled, with additional rainfall forecast throughout the day today, which may cause further river level increases. The Environment Agency is closely monitoring the situation.

Timeline

This warning was updated at 11:56 AM on February 15, 2026. Officials expect to provide a further update by 1:00 PM on February 16, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.