Flood Warning Issued for Tarrant Valley as Groundwater Levels Rise

Alert Details

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the Tarrant Valley in the Wessex area. The alert, which carries a severity level of 2, was officially raised on March 5, 2026, due to high groundwater levels.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts residents within Dorset Council and Wiltshire. Specific communities cited in the alert include:

• Tarrant Gunville
• Tarrant Hinton
• Tarrant Monkton
• Tarrant Rawston
• Tarrant Launceston
• Stubhampton

What You Should Do

The Environment Agency advises residents to take the following actions:

• Prepare Property: Residents should prepare property resilience measures and ensure cellars are monitored for flooding.
• Check Pumps: If a pump is installed, ensure it is working and switched on.
• Power Contingency: Think about alternative power sources in case of power cuts.
• Sanitation: Be aware that inundation of septic tanks and sewer systems is possible.
• Road Safety: Flooding of roads is expected in the affected areas.

Expected Conditions

Groundwater levels in Cranborne Chase are currently falling slowly but remain high, with the Rushmore borehole recording a level of 133.27m. Further rainfall is forecast starting Thursday, February 26, which may cause levels to rise again into the weekend. High groundwater levels are also expected to increase the impacts of any fluvial flooding in the region.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 7:19 AM on March 5, 2026. Officials are closely monitoring the situation. This message is scheduled to be updated by 2:00 PM on March 11, 2026, or as the situation changes.