Flood Warning Issued for Middle Hampshire Avon from Salisbury to 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 due to elevated river levels on the Hampshire River Avon.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Middle Hampshire Avon from Salisbury to Ringwood. Specific locations expected to see impacts include Britford, Charlton All Saints, Downton, and Fordingbridge in close proximity to the river. The geographic scope includes Dorset Council, Hampshire, and Wiltshire within the Wessex area.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area should take the following precautions:

• Continue to use any available flood protection products.
• Act on your flood plan if you have one.
• Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flood water.
• Exercise extreme caution, as just 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a car.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain high and are continuing to rise due to the cumulative impact of recent rainfall and high groundwater levels. While no further rainfall is expected over the next few days, the Environment Agency is maintaining the warning as the river levels respond to existing conditions.

Timeline

This alert was updated at 12:38 PM on February 16, 2026. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation and expects to provide a further update by 3:00 PM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.