A Flood Alert was issued for River Cole, Dorcan Brook and South Marston Brook in Oxfordshire, Swindon on 20th October 2026. Affected watercourses included the River Cole.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The River Ray at Water Eaton rose 1.03m, peaking at 1.96m, while the River Cole at Lower Stratton climbed 1.01m.
Environment Agency advice issued
High river levels may lead to flooding. River levels are still high on parts of the River Cole. Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected to continue overnight on 20 October 2026. Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected, especially in the Covingham Drive area. Further rainfall is forecast throughout the night and tomorrow morning. We expect river levels will begin falling overnight and into tomorrow morning. Levels may rise again in response to further rainfall over the coming days. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels. Avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flo
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Eaton | River Ray | +1.03m | 1.96m |
| Lower Stratton | River Cole | +1.01m | 2.99m |
| Highworth Bridge | South Marston Brook | +0.61m | 0.68m |
| Rodbourne | River Ray | +0.57m | 0.68m |
| Kestrel Drive | Dorcan Brook | +0.54m | 1.24m |
| Hannington Bridge | River Thames | +0.11m | 2.07m |
| Buscot Lock | River Thames | +0.05m | 0.18m |