A Flood Alert was issued for Groundwater flooding in the Cranborne Chase area in Dorset Council, Hampshire, Wiltshire on 16th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the Groundwater.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The Groundwater Level at Woodyates rose 0.98m, peaking at 96.25m, while the Groundwater Level at Iwerne Hill Farm climbed 0.81m.
Environment Agency advice issued
Groundwater levels in the Cranborne Chase area are slowly receding, but remain over the flood alert thresholds. Flooding of fields and roads is still possible. Groundwater levels remain responsive to rainfall. Where groundwater is near the surface, intense rainfall will lead to surface water flooding. We are closely monitoring the situation. Residents are advised to prepare property resilience measures and ensure that pumps are working where they have been installed . This message will be updated by 11:00AM on 23rd March 2026 or as the situation changes.
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodyates | Groundwater Level | +0.98m | 96.25m |
| Iwerne Hill Farm | Groundwater Level | +0.81m | 108.64m |
| Windwhistle | Groundwater Level | +0.73m | 69.82m |
| Homington | Groundwater Level | +0.64m | 64.56m |
| Badbury Rings | Groundwater Level | +0.54m | 34.10m |
| Odstock | Groundwater Level | +0.53m | 58.88m |
| The Terraces Fonthill | Groundwater Level | +0.46m | 112.33m |
| Oakley Industrial Estate | Groundwater Level | +0.37m | 91.12m |
| Ashmore | Groundwater Level | +0.07m | 134.07m |