Flood Alert: River Piddle and tributaries - February 2026

A Flood Alert was issued for River Piddle and tributaries in Dorset Council between 25th February 2026 and 15th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the River Piddle, River Trent.

During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The River Winterbourne at Sturminster Marshall Maggs Bridge rose 0.42m, peaking at 1.35m, while the Piddle Brook at Dewlish Woodsdown Cross climbed 0.30m.

Environment Agency advice issued

This is a Flood Alert update. River levels remain high at the Briantspuddle river gauge. Flooding could still affect locations near the River Piddle, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around tributaries between Alton Pancras and Wareham. The weather forecast is dry in the coming days and no further impacts are expected. We will continue to monitor the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses, and do not attempt to walk, cycle or drive through flood water. Never drive through flood water, just 30cm of fast f

Monitoring gauges during this event