Flood Warning Issued for River Piddle from Alton Pancras to Wareham in Dorset
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Piddle as high water levels and groundwater threaten communities from Alton Pancras to Wareham.
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.
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