Dozens of flood warnings in England after days of non-stop rain

After days of persistent, non-stop rain across England, the Environment Agency and the Met Office have issued dozens of flood warnings and hundreds of alerts, putting communities on high alert and prompting emergency preparations as travel disruption and property flooding loom large. The rain-soaked conditions have left rivers swollen, low-lying land saturated and local roads vulnerable to floodwater — with forecasters warning that more heavy rain is still possible in the coming days.

As of the latest reports, around 85 to 95 flood warnings — where flooding is expected — and well over 230 flood alerts — where flooding is possible — are in place across south-west and central England, the Midlands, and parts of East England. These warnings stretch from Devon and Cornwall in the west to Norfolk in the east, reflecting the widespread and prolonged impact of the weather system that has hammered the region.

Rain Every Day So Far This Year

Meteorologists say much of southern England and South Wales have seen rainfall every single day so far in 2026, with totals in some areas running 50 per cent above average for January and February. The relentless wet weather has saturated fields, raised groundwater levels and left rivers such as the Severn, Trent and Dene dangerously high — conditions ripe for surface water and river flooding alike.

The Met Office has issued fresh yellow weather warnings for heavy rain that cover large parts of southern and south-western England, as well as South Wales, through much of the coming week. These forecasts indicate that up to 30 mm of rain or more could fall in a day, potentially pushing already stressed rivers and drains beyond their limits.

Local Impacts and Emergency Response

Across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, local councils have closed affected roads and urged drivers to avoid flooded routes where possible. In some areas, residents have reported gardens and low-lying streets inundated by surface water, while local fire and rescue teams monitor rising river levels and stand ready to assist where needed.

In Warwickshire, emergency services warned that the River Dene had risen to levels where flooding was imminent, underscoring how quickly waterways can respond after sustained rainfall. Meanwhile, parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and West Sussex are also forecast to experience longer-lasting ground and river flooding due to slowly draining saturated soils.

Emergency departments and councils are working to clear blockages, inspect flood defences, and ensure relief pumps are operational, while residents in affected areas are being urged to sign up for direct flood warnings and avoid driving through standing water — a major cause of flood-related accidents.

Travel Disruption and Daily Life

The unsettled conditions have already caused delays and closures on local roads and public transport networks, with some bus and rail services affected by submerged tracks or landslip risks near embankments. Motorists are being urged to plan journeys carefully and heed advice from local authorities and the AA if they encounter flooded sections of road.

While some forecasts offer a brief respite with lighter rain or drier intervals later in the week, the prevailing pattern of continuous rainfall has left the country unusually saturated for this time of year — a combination of factors that could lead to further flood warnings if additional downpours materialise.

What Flood Warnings Mean

Under the UK’s Floodline system, a flood alert means flooding is possible and residents should be prepared, while a flood warning means flooding is expected and people should take action to protect property and personal safety. The Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency issue these messages based on observed gauge data and forecast models tracking rainfall and river levels.