A Flood Warning was issued for Groundwater flooding for the Crichel in Dorset Council on 5th March 2026. Affected watercourses included the Groundwater.
During this event, FloodRadar monitoring gauges recorded notable rises. The Groundwater Level at Windwhistle rose 1.82m, peaking at 74.83m, while the Groundwater Level at Homington climbed 1.70m.
Environment Agency advice issued
High groundwater levels are expected to cause flooding. Groundwater levels in Cranborne Chase are falling slowly, but remain high. Areas that could be affected include: Cheetle, Long Crichel and Moor Crichel. The groundwater level at the Rushmore borehole is at 133.27m. We have had a few days of drier weather, but further rainfall is forecast starting tomorrow, Thursday 26 February, which may cause levels to rise once again into the weekend. High groundwater levels will also increase the impacts of any fluvial flooding. Residents are advised to prepare property resilience measures and ensure t
Monitoring gauges during this event
| Station | River | Rise | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windwhistle | Groundwater Level | +1.82m | 74.83m |
| Homington | Groundwater Level | +1.70m | 68.73m |
| Woodyates | Groundwater Level | +1.43m | 100.72m |
| Delcombe Wood | Groundwater Level | +1.19m | 138.90m |
| The Terraces Fonthill | Groundwater Level | +1.14m | 115.33m |
| Odstock | Groundwater Level | +1.06m | 62.11m |
| Iwerne Hill Farm | Groundwater Level | +0.93m | 111.23m |
| Badbury Rings | Groundwater Level | +0.70m | 36.55m |
| Horton Inn | Groundwater Level | +0.31m | 41.52m |
| Ashmore | Groundwater Level | +0.19m | 134.53m |