Flood Warning Issued for River Itchen at Mansbridge and Woodmill in Southampton

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for the River Itchen at Mansbridge and Woodmill. This alert indicates that flooding is expected and immediate action is required due to a combination of rainfall and high tide conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the Mansbridge and Woodmill areas along the River Itchen in Southampton, Hampshire. Impacted locations include:

• Access roads and car parking areas near the White Swan Pub.
• The car garage at Mansbridge.
• Parts of Riverside Park.
• The White Swan Pub, where water may be forced up through the floor.

What You Should Do

Residents and business owners in the affected area should take the following actions:

• Activate any flood protection products currently available.
• Ensure flood defenses are deployed around the White Swan Pub.
• Monitor local conditions as tides and flood risks remain elevated in the coming days.

Expected Conditions

Flooding is driven by high river levels resulting from rain and tidal surges. The water level is forecast to reach 4.88 metres Chart Datum (2.14 mAOD). While only a small amount of additional rain is forecast over the next two days, tide levels will remain high. The Environment Agency is currently checking the river for blockages and is coordinating with Southampton City Council regarding the operation of Woodmill.

Timeline

The flood warning is effective starting at 10:00 AM on Monday, 16 February 2026. Peak high tides are forecast for 10:15 AM and 12:15 PM on 16 February. A subsequent high tide at 10:45 PM (22:45) is expected to be 24cm lower but may still cause flooding impacts. This message is scheduled to be updated by 9:00 AM on 17 February 2026, or sooner if the situation changes.