Flood Alert Info - Lower River Wear

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 13 March 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 8:00PM on 13 March 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Rising river levels overnight may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible from the evening of 12 March 2026 and levels will remain high overnight.  Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers.  We are closely monitoring the situation .  Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water .  This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 13 March 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today and overnight may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 13 February 2026. Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. River levels in the lower Wear catchment are falling and will continue to fall. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. Avoid using the riverside footpath in Chester-le-Street Riverside. This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 14 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 13 February 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. River levels in the lower Wear catchment are falling and will continue to fall. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . Avoid using the riverside footpath in Chester-le-Street Riverside. This message will be updated by 5:00PM on 13 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 12 February 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. River levels in the lower Wear catchment are falling and will continue to fall overnight. River levels at Chester-le-Street Riverside will remain higher than normal until tomorrow morning. We are closely monitoring the situation . No further significant rainfall is forecast. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . Avoid using the riverside footpath in Chester-le-Street Riverside. This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 13 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels have peaked and are now falling but will remain higher than normal. Flooding is possible on 12 February 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, especially in the Chester-le-Street Riverside area. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 5:00PM on 12 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 11 February 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 12 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 11 February 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 5:00PM on 11 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible on 11 February 2026 .  Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers.  We are closely monitoring the situation .  Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water .  This message will be updated by 3:00PM on 11 February 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 28 January 2026 . Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Lumley Park Burn. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 6:00PM on 28 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Rising river levels today may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible from the afternoon of 27 January 2026 , as a result of Storm Chandra.  Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers.  We are closely monitoring the situation .  Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses .  This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 28 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels remain high today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 25 January 2026, to the morning of Monday 26 January. Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Lumley Park Burn. We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. This message will be updated by 9:00AM on 26 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 24 January 2026 into Sunday 25 January Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Lumley Park Burn. We are closely monitoring the situation . Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water . This message will be updated by 9:00AM on 25 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels overnight may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 23 January 2026 through Saturday 24th January 2026. Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Lumley Park Burn. We are closely monitoring the situation . Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses . This message will be updated by 10:00PM on 24 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels remain high today and may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 23 January 2026. Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Lumley Park Burn. We are closely monitoring the situation . Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses . This message will be updated by 17:00PM on 23 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Rising river levels this afternoon may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible on 22 January 2026 , from 16:15PM.  Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers, particularly around Chester-le-Street and Durham New Elvet Bridge.  We are closely monitoring the situation .  Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses .  This message will be updated by 9:00AM on 23 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels remain high this evening and may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on 12 January 2026. River levels remain high on the Lower River Wear due to a combination of recent rainfall and snow melt. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads until 19:00PM today 12/01/2026, particularly at Chester Le Street. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels . Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses . This message will be updated by 09:00AM on 13 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Rising river levels today may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible on 12 January 2026   River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to a combination of recent rainfall and snow melt. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads between 10:00AM and 19:00PM today 12/01/2026, particularly at Chester Le Street. The rain has now cleared but river levels are forecast to rise.  We are monitoring rainfall and river levels .  Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses .  This message will be updated by 5:00PM on 12 January 2026 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

High river levels today may lead to flooding.  Flooding is possible on 13 November 2025 due to prolonged rainfall overnight and throughout the day.  Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers.  We are closely monitoring the situation .  Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water .  This message will be updated by 7:00PM on 13 November 2025 or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Heavy rainfall is resulting in rising river levels this evening that may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible overnight on 20/09/2025 and in to the early hours of 21/09/2025. Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads near Lower River Wear from Escomb to Sunderland including the rivers Browney, Cong Burn and Lumley Park Burn. Weather conditions are expected to improve tomorrow and no further flooding is expected. We are closely monitoring the situation and clearing debris from weed screens. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses. This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 21/09/2025, or as the situation changes

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Rising river levels overnight may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible between 4:00 AM and 3:00 PM on 06/01/2025. Areas most at risk include riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads near Houghton Le Spring. Weather conditions are expected to improve tomorrow afternoon and no further flooding is expected. We are monitoring rainfall and river levels. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. This message will be updated by 6:00 PM on 06/01/2025, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels are continuing to rise on the Lower River Wear after heavy rainfall overnight and this morning. River levels are forecast to peak late this afternoon and expected to remain high until the early hours of tomorrow morning (27/09/2024) Further rainfall is forecast this evening. We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 13:00 PM on 27/09/2024 or earlier if the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels are forecast to rise on the Lower River Wear with heavy rainfall forecasted to move across the region from 9pm this evening throughout the night and into tomorrow morning. We expect rivers to respond from the early hours of Thursday with the potential to bring high isolated totals. There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments. We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 13:00 PM on 26/09/2024 or earlier if the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall. Flooding is possible at riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads from 13:45 PM on 09/04/2024. Further rainfall is forecast for throughout the day and river levels are forecast to rise. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 10:00 AM on 10/04/2024, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Lower River Wear, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. River levels are expected to peak overnight and further rainfall is forecast. We will continue to monitor levels closely. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 11:00 AM on 28/12/2023, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear due to heavy rainfall around the area. Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the Lower River Wear including Small hope burn at Lanchester, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around riverside footpaths and low lying land and roads. The heaviest rain is now clearing. We will continue to monitor the forecast and will issue any flood warnings if required. Take care near the areas of concern and monitor your local weather conditions. Please avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 09:00 AM on 08/12/2023, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels are rising on the Lower River Wear due to persistent rainfall and snowmelt. Flooding is possible to riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads from this afternoon (04/12/2023) until tomorrow morning (05/12/2023). Further rainfall is forecast throughout the evening into Tuesday morning, therefore river levels will be elevated until tomorrow morning. We will continue to monitor levels closely and issue any flood warnings if required. Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water. This message will be updated by 09:00 AM on 05/12/2023, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one. Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one. Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one. Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

There have been some heavy showers this afternoon (Saturday 8th July) in the North East Area, but the potential for further heavy, possibly thundery, showers remains this evening and through the night which could bring high isolated totals. There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments. Therefore, the Flood Alert will remain in force overnight and we will provide a further update tomorrow morning. We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings, but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

This message has been issued proactively ahead of heavy thundery showers that are forecast to move across the region between 11am and 12 midnight today (Sat 8th July) with the potential to bring high isolated totals. There is low confidence in the exact location and distribution of the heaviest showers but where they do fall there will be a particular risk of surface water impacts in urban areas and the potential for a fluvial response in rapidly responding catchments. We are not currently expecting to issue any Flood Warnings but we are closely monitoring the situation and will issue any Flood Warnings if required. This message will be updated this evening or earlier if the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

Flooding is possible in this area. Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding. Start acting on your flood plan if you have one. Environment Agency Flood Warning Officers set the river or tidal levels that have triggered this message. During industrial action this message has been automatically issued based on rising river or tidal levels.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels remain high at the Burn Hall river gauge due to persistent rainfall overnight. Consequently, flooding of riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads is possible throughout today, Friday 18/11/2022. Further rainfall is expected over the weekend, and we expect river levels to remain high. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 17:00 on 18/11/2022, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels have risen at the Sunderland Bridge, Durham New Elvet Bridge and Front Street river gauges due to persistent rainfall. Consequently, flooding is possible with areas most at risk include riverside footpaths, low lying land and roads from 21:00 on Thursday, 17/11/2022. Further rainfall is forecast to be persistent into Friday morning, 18/11/2022. We expect river levels to remain high overnight to early hours of Friday, 18/11/2022. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences and clearing weed screens. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 11:00 on 18/11/2022, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels continue to remain high on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall throughout Sunday (20/02/2022). River levels at Sunderland Bridge, Durham, and Chester le Street are still rising and are expected to peak on Monday morning. River levels will remain high throughout Monday (21/02/2022). Please monitor local water levels and weather conditions. Avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. We are closely monitoring the situation. This message will be updated by 10:00 on 21/02/22, or as the situation changes.

River Wear, Moors Burn, Smallhope Burn

River levels have risen on the Lower River Wear as a result of heavy and prolonged rainfall. Further rainfall is expected throughout Sunday afternoon. Areas most at risk are riverside footpaths and low-lying land and roads. We expect river levels to continue to rise throughout Sunday afternoon and peak over Sunday night into Monday morning. River levels are expected to remain high throughout Monday (21/02/2022). We are closely monitoring the situation and may issue Flood Warnings later today if necessary. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded. This message will be updated by 20:00 on 20/02/22, or as the situation changes.