Latest update - 18 Feb 2026

Current Situation

With yellow MET office rainfall warning for Wednesday 18 February, the groundwater and rivers will continue to respond quickly to any prolonged or intense periods of rainfall; this may result in further localised flooding impacts.

We are continuing to monitor 24/7 the groundwater levels, river and rainfall. 

Groundwater levels in the more reactive area of the West of Dorset remain high but are forecast to plateau this week. In the Cranborne Chase area, levels are forecast to plateau this week, whereas in the Salisbury Plain area groundwater levels are forecast to continue rising until the end of February. With an unsettled period expected there is the potential that further localised impacts to rainfall could be expected to continue until May.  

Some of the communities we have visited have never experienced flooding of the extent and nature before, please check your overall flood risk here https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk and you can find the latest information here: www.gov.uk/check-flooding

What have we been doing?

Our staff have been out on the ground talking to affected residents over the last three weeks. We are very grateful to residents who have taken the time to speak with us, many of whom have been flooded. This information helps us understand groundwater flooding and helps to inform our flood warning timeliness and co-ordinate a response with our partners. But we will be scaling back this over the next few weeks, depending on the weather that occurs.

What you can do?

Please continue to report flooding especially if you are pumping to stop the flooding to your property. Groundwater flooding can be reported using the FORT (Flood Online Reporting Tool) https://floodreport.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ (available to residents in both Dorset & Wiltshire) tool or directly to your Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

You can confirm on FORT how your property is affected where groundwater is rising. For example, under your floorboards, in your basement, affecting your foul drainage, road and bow waves or just affecting your access to your property. Please use the further comments for more details including pumping arrangements.

Further details on who and how to report can be found here: Report a flood or possible cause of flooding - GOV.UK

You can also report to the Environment Agency online if there are blockage on a main river, these can also be reported here: Report a blockage in a river in England - GOV.UK

Remember

Groundwater flood warnings are an opt-in service; please check your flood risk and sign up for flood warnings here www.gov.uk/get-flood-warnings