Flood Warning Issued for River Piddle from Alton Pancras to Wareham in Dorset

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning (Severity Level 2) for the River Piddle. This alert indicates that flooding is expected and immediate action may be required. The warning was updated on February 20, 2026, at 4:34 PM following sustained high river levels.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the River Piddle from Alton Pancras to Wareham. Specific locations at risk include:

• Alton Pancras
• Piddletrenthide
• Piddlehinton
• Druce
• Puddletown
• Athelhampton
• Affpuddle
• Briantspuddle
• Wareham, including Purbeck View Park

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are advised to activate any flood protection products they have installed. Safety is paramount: do not attempt to walk, cycle, or drive through flood water. The Environment Agency warns that as little as 30cm of fast-flowing water is enough to move a vehicle.

Expected Conditions

River levels remain high as a result of recent rainfall combined with high groundwater levels. While additional rain is forecast for today and tomorrow, the expected totals are currently very low. The Environment Agency continues to monitor the situation closely.

Timeline

The alert was raised on February 20, 2026. Officials expect to provide a situation update by 3:30 PM on February 21, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.