Flood Warning Issued for River Ray in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as Water Levels Rise

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a Severity Level 2 Flood Warning for the River Ray. This alert indicates that flooding is expected and immediate action may be required to protect property and safety.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the River Ray from the Heath Bridge area to and including the Otmoor Basin. Specific geographic regions impacted include parts of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The alert specifically mentions rising levels at Islip and Lower Arncott. Watercourses involved include the River Ray, Studley Wood Brook, and Beckley Brook.

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are advised to take the following precautions:

• Consider activating any available flood protection products immediately.
• Stay away from flood water, as it may contain hidden dangers such as open manhole covers, raw sewage, and hazardous chemicals.
• Monitor current river levels online through official government channels.

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently rising on the River Ray in response to recent rainfall. Flooding of roads and properties remains possible, particularly for those located close to the riverbanks. While the forecast for today and overnight is predominantly dry, further rainfall is expected tomorrow. River levels are anticipated to continue rising slowly at Islip and Lower Arncott and will remain sensitive to additional precipitation over the coming days.

Timeline

The alert was officially raised at 8:32 AM on February 17, 2026. While dry conditions are expected for the remainder of today and tonight, the threat persists with more rain forecast for tomorrow. The Environment Agency will provide an update on the situation by 11:00 AM on February 17, 2026, or sooner if conditions change significantly.