A Flood Alert was issued for Lower River Ribble and Darwen in Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire on 24th October 2026. Affected watercourses included the River Ribble, River Darwen.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The River Ribble at Penwortham rose 3.96m, peaking at 5.84m, while the River Ribble at Ribchester School climbed 3.09m.
Environment Agency advice issued
Forecast high river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on Saturday 24 October and into the early hours on Sunday 25th October Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near to the river Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton. We are closely monitoring the situation . Avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. This message will be updated by 10:00AM on Sunday 25 October or as the situat
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penwortham | River Ribble | +3.96m | 5.84m |
| Ribchester School | River Ribble | +3.09m | 3.43m |
| Walton-Le-Dale | River Ribble | +3.05m | 3.40m |
| Samlesbury | River Ribble | +2.89m | 4.18m |
| New Jumbles Rock | River Ribble | +1.95m | 2.45m |
| Blue Bridge | River Darwen | +1.48m | 1.88m |
| Ewood | River Darwen | +1.05m | 1.46m |
| Blackburn Waterfall | River Darwen | +0.74m | 1.29m |
| Darwen Clough Street Overflow | River Darwen | +0.51m | 1.04m |
| Hardman Way | River Darwen | +0.44m | 0.53m |